Over ten thousand Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from Nkporo and other areas in Ohafia LGA of Abia State, led by Rt. Hon Arua Arunsi, Ex-Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, and one-time member, House of Representatives, have defected to All Progressive Congress (APC).

The defection ceremony took place at Nkporo Central Field. Important political bigwigs that joined Arunsi in the defection include High Chief Uche Ogboso (former chairman of the Local Government), Prince Anya Okiyi, an aide to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Prince Agwu A. Agwu, and other personalities.

Reasons given for their defection among others included, failed political leadership in Nkporo under the deputy governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, in terms of infrastructure, peace and dwindling political fortunes of the people. They alleged that the Nkporo Community is more divided now than before, as there is lack of social amenities, etc.

Ninety percent of the defectors are Nkporo people, supported by their allies from Arochukwu, Ohafia, Abiriba, etc. The APC governorship candidate, Dr. Uche Ogah, was present to receive them. He was assisted by Senator Chris Adighije, representing former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the state party Chairman, Chief Donatus Nwankpa, and other APC leaders, both at the state and local government levels.

Speaking to Saturday Sun, Eng. Ndukwe Orji said that Nkporo serves like the heartbeat of PDP in Ohafia LGA, adding that, “if this level of defection could take place in Nkporo, it is like taking away the heart from somebody’s body and you know what that means. It is the death of PDP in Nkporo land in particular and Ohafia LGA in general.”

He lamented that the deputy governor’s 15-year reign as an Nkporo son has not favoured anyone hence the decision to leave him and the PDP and pitch tent with APC where the there are promises and hope for the development of the community.

•Sourced from a Daily Sun report

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