Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has reiterated that his defection to the All Progressives Congress from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party was not to achieve any presidential ambition.
Speaking to journalists in his office in Abakaliki on Tuesday over ripples generated by his much orchestrated defection, the Governor stressed that his action was a protest against what he described as injustice meted to the South East by the PDP for over two decades.
Umahi, who is also the Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum, maintained that the PDP had continued to treat the South East unfairly by continuously denying it the presidential ticket since 1999 in spite of the fact that the zone has remained the party’s stronghold from inception.
He further explained that his movement out of the PDP into APC was not linked to any presidential ambition of his as being rumoured in some quarters, adding that he never sought for presidential ticket in the PDP and the APC did not promise him any position.
According to him, he was satisfied with his achievements as a two-term Governor of Ebonyi State and would be glad to quit politics in 2023 as long as he succeeds in drawing the attention of the PDP to its long maltreatment of the zone.
Umahi explained: “APC never promised me any position.
“They never promised South East any position.
“There was no such discussion.
“However, I offered this movement as a protest for injustice being done to the South East by the PDP
“Since 1998/99, South East people have supported PDP in all elections.
“At a time, the five States were all PDP and one of the founding members of PDP is from the South East: the late former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme.
“So, it is absurd that since 1998, going to 2023, that South East has never been considered to run for Presidency on the ticket of PDP.
“This is my position, and will continue to be my position.
“It has nothing to do with me….
“And I believe that this movement will make PDP to understand that no man is an island, and that no one single person can be called a crowd.
“Together we are stronger.
“And if people are shouting in this country of equity, fairness and justice, and I stand in a place where such is not practiced, then I have to re-examine my head.
“People can write all they want, it is not my business.
“By 2023, if God permits, I will be quitting politics, and I will be very satisfied….”
On whether he had consulted with other Governors of the zone with the aim of wooing them to his side, Umahi said he initiated the fight alone based on his personal conviction and family integrity, which abhors injustice.
He however maintained that there has been widespread discontent within and across the zone over PDP’s maltreatment of the South East, adding that anyone who shares the same passion with him was free to join the mission.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the Governor would officially launch his defection in the State on Thursday.