By-Election: Hundreds of PDP, LP, AA members defect To APC In Afikpo North, Pledge Loyalty To Ani
By Omaka Okoro
Ahead of the February 3, 2024 by-election for Ebonyi South Senatorial District, hundreds of People have defected from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Afikpo local government area, with a promise to work for the emergence of the party's Ebonyi South Senatorial Candidate Prof.
Anthony Okorie Ani. The defectors include former Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 general elections for Afikpo North West State constituency, Hon Ogbonnia Inya, the candidate of AA for Afikpo North East State Constituency in the 2023 general elections, Hon Pastor Emeka Uguba, and former Afikpo Council chairman, Engr. Hilary Egwu of the PDP.
Those who defected during the inauguration of Prof. Ani Campaign Council at Afikpo local government headquarters stated that, they were prompted by the sterling performances of Gov. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and Hon Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam to move to APC to join them in taking the state and Afikpo local government to greater heights.
They promised that with their entrance into APC with over 5, 000 of their Supporters, the candidate of APC in the February 3, by-election would have an edge over other candidates.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, enjoined members to work as a team to ensure landslide victory for the Party's candidate. Princess Obila, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Engr.
Timothy Nwachi, called on the people of Afikpo local government area to use massive victory in the Senatorial by-election to reciprocate Governor Nwifuru's remarkable accomplishments in the area in particular and the state at large.
She also expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of party faithfuls and called for unity of purpose and oneness in carrying out electioneering activities.
Earlier, the chairman of Afikpo local government area, Hon Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam, commended APC stakeholders for their steadfastness and readiness to work hard for the victory of the party especially as the APC-Led Government of Rt Hon Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has made both the campaign and election easier for the Party with his people-oriented leadership style.
Hon. Uche Ibiam called for concerted efforts from stakeholders to achieve victory for the party and its candidate.
In their separate remarks, the former Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Christopher Isu, and the LGA APC Chairman, Hon. Nicodemus Egwu, promised to join hands with other stakeholders at the grassroots to ensure victory for the Party come February, 3 2024.
