By CHARLES IWUOHA

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has once again recorded a significant political milestone with the defection of prominent opposition members to the party.

The defectors were led by a former Development Centre Coordinator from Wigbeke Ward 2, of Effium and former Special Assistant to the immediate past Governor, Barrister Nnabuife Abara.

The high-profile defection ceremony held on Saturday at the Ohaukwu Local Government Area Headquarters in Ezzangbo, saw an enthusiastic convergence of party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters from across the state, marking a major boost for the APC ahead of future elections.

Abara, alongside his supporters drawn from Alioma and Ezekuna Alioma autonomous communities, officially pledged allegiance to the APC, signaling the collapse of opposition structures in the area into the ruling party.

The defectors were warmly received by the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, alongside other party executives at the state, local government, and ward levels.

Addressing the gathering, Emegha congratulated the new members for making what he described as a wise and bold decision, noting that the achievements and people-centered leadership style of the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru have continued to attract political stakeholders and grassroots supporters alike.

The State Chairman acknowledged that Governor Nwifuru is leading with a clear vision under the people’s charter of needs mantra of his administration, and that’s why Ebonyians from all walks of life are joining hands with him, adding that there is no room for divisive politics anymore in Ebonyi State.

He emphasized the need for unity, peace, and purposeful engagement among all party members, and urged the new defectors to uphold the ideals and integrity of the party.

In his remarks, Barr. Nnabuife Abara commended Governor Nwifuru for creating an environment that promotes peace, unity, and inclusive development across the state.

According to Barr. Abara, they had watched the governor’s leadership style very keenly and have found in him a sincere and focused leader, hence the need to join the progressives family.

He further stated that the people of Alioma and Ezekuna Alioma have resolved to align fully with the APC, and will lead the campaign from their communities to ensure that Governor Nwifuru does not lose even one vote in 2027 governorship election.

Barr. Abara also lauded the governor’s interventions in the lingering conflict between Effium and Alioma, describing his peace efforts as a demonstration of true statesmanship.

The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Ikechukwu Odono, in a similar vein, hailed the governor’s peace-building efforts, referencing the historic reconciliation between Ngbo and Agila communities, which had been embroiled in conflict for over a century.

Prince Odono who described Governor Nwifuru as a divine gift to Ebonyi people, stressed that he has united Ohaukwu more than ever before, and today virtually all the political parties in the LGA have collapsed into APC because of his peaceful disposition.

In his goodwill message, the Coordinator of Effium Development Centre, Hon. Ogbonna Nwogbaga (JP), congratulated the new members and urged them to remain committed and active in their support for the APC-led government. He assured them that Governor Nwifuru is a leader who rewards loyalty, integrity, and performance.

The event ended on a high note with chants of solidarity and victory songs echoing across the venue as party members celebrated the unity and growing strength of the APC in Ohaukwu and beyond.

With this mass defection, political analysts say the APC is solidifying its grassroots dominance in Ebonyi State, positioning itself as the undisputed political force ahead of the 2027 general elections.