Over 20 chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, have resigned from the party within three days and may be headed for other parties.
Former PDP presidential aspirant and ex Deputy speaker, Chief Cosmas Ndukwe and the entire executives of his ward in Bende council area, had two weeks ago, dumped the PDP, reports Vanguard.
Those who tendered their resignation letters in the last two days include the immediate past speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Chinedum Orji, former chief Whip of the state Assembly, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwabeke; council chairmen of Isuikwuato and Isiala Ngwa South, Chief Chima Agbeze, and Dr. Chris Nwagboso, respectively; former Assembly members for Umunneochi and Obingwa West state constituencies, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri and Chief Uche Nwankpa, respectively; ex council chairmen of Ohafia and Isiala Ngwa South,Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe and Chief Iyke Anyatonwu, respectively, among others.
While the decampees did not disclose their next political party, sources told our correspondent that most of them have concluded arrangements to defect to the All Progressive Congress, APC.
Most of the decampees have continued to shun the ruling Labour Party in the state.
A month ago, former Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Prof. Anthony Agbazuere; former commissioner for Information, Chief Eze Chikamnayo; ex Commissioner for Physical Planning,Elder Godwin Nna;Chief Uzo Ihuka and other chieftains of the party, had defected to APC.
Reacting to the defections, State publicity secretary of the PDP, Elder Amah Abraham,said the recent departure of some prominent figures from the PDP signals a vital phase of transformation and rebirth of the party.
He said;”The departure of these esteemed individuals, akin to the shedding of dry leaves, is an essential process in the rejuvenation of our party. This symbolic act paves the way for the emergence of a new era within the Abia PDP, one characterized by vitality, dynamism, and a fresh perspective. It is a necessary step towards creating a reinvigorated political landscape that is free from the inertia of the past and embraces the promise of a brighter future.
“Their exit signifies not an end, but a new beginning, a chapter in which dormant energies are awakened, and sleeping stakeholders are revitalized. It is a time for introspection, renewal, and a collective commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive party that truly represents the aspirations of the people.”
He expressed gratitude to the former members for their contributions to the party and wished them well in their future endeavours.
