Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement was made during the Grand Finale of the APC Local Government election campaign held on Saturday at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.
Anyim’s defection was accompanied by other notable personalities from various political parties, including former state and National Assembly members, former Labour Party governorship candidate in the state Edwin Nkwegu, Senator Obinna Ọgba, former national and state assembly candidates, and thousands of their supporters.
The APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, along with Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, Minister of Works David Umahi, and State Chairman of the party Stanley Meghan, were present to welcome the new members.
During the event, Minister of Works David Umahi praised Anyim for his support to the APC during the 2023 elections and expressed that it was only fitting for him to formally join the party. Umahi also extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support during Umahi’s legal battles after joining the APC. He recounted how President Tinubu personally assisted him by arranging for a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to handle his case.
Umahi acknowledged the challenges he faced for joining the APC but expressed satisfaction that the party has now become widely accepted in Ebonyi State and the South-East region. He highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the southeast, mentioning that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road would pass through Ebonyi, along with ongoing work on other major roads in the region.
Umahi urged the two governors and other party leaders in the region to work harder to bring every stakeholder on board with the APC, to ensure the region takes its rightful place in national politics.
In his remarks, Governor Uzodinma of Imo State noted that the recent ruling of the Supreme Court would strengthen democracy in the country and urged youths to refrain from protesting against President Tinubu’s government.
Anyim assured the APC National Chairman and other party leaders that Ebonyi State has always been united under one political family. He emphasized the people’s resolve to support the APC in recognition of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s performance and efforts in uniting various groups within the state.