The ongoing depletion of the All Progressives Congress membership in Ebonyi State by the Peoples Democratic Party has received added impact as the party’s former Vice Chairman and Secretary in Ezza South Local Government Area have officially joined the PDP.
The development was part of the highlights at the PDP’s governorship campaign rally held at Onueke, the headquaters of Ezza South Local Government Area on Tuesday.
The former APC Chairman, Cletus Aluba, and the former Secretary, Chikaodiri Nwali, decamped to the PDP with about 5,000 members of the party from the area.
Receiving the APC’s defectors at the rally, the State PDP Chairman, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, described their decision to join the “moving train” as a wise one and urged them to continue to propagate the cherished ideals which attracted them to the PDP.
Nwebonyi assured that the doors of the PDP in the State were wide open to welcome as well as baptise new entrants and returnees with the revolutionary water of democratic excellence as has been exemplified by Governor David Umahi’s performance in all sectors.
The PDP National Vice Chairman, South East, Austin Umahi, in his remarks maintained that it remained the only party that can bring the desired positive change in Nigeria, revamp the economy, create jobs and stem insecurity among others.
He warned the people of the area not to share their votes between the PDP candidates and any other party at any level of elective posts, stressing that the party would view such an act as a serious sabotage, which would attract severe sanctions.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Aluba explained that they were attracted to the party by the intimidating developmental strides of Governor Umahi.
He noted that the APC as a party in the State lack the requisite attraction to keep any development minded person in its fold, adding that they have come to join hands with the Governor to move the State to greater heights.
He also promised to employ his popularity in the area to mop up support for the PDP towards total victory in the forthcoming elections.
Aluba and Nwali were at the event appointed by Governor Umahi as Technical Assistants.
The rally, which recorded very impressive turnout of PDP supporters, also featured prayers for successful elections by the Divine Mandate Pastors led by the Chaplain of Government House Chapel and Senior Pastor of the Christ Embassy Church, Abakaliki, Eunice Oyeyemi.