By CHARLES IWUOHA

A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and ex-Commissioner in Ebonyi State, Barrister Timothy Odah, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He urged political actors to embrace peace, unity, and collective development in the state.

Odah, who previously served as PDP State Financial Secretary and Legal Adviser, announced his defection during a visit to the APC Secretariat in Abakaliki on Monday.

He said his decision to join the ruling party, was motivated by a renewed desire to support leaders working for the progress of Ebonyi State.

Expressing deep appreciation to Governor Francis Nwifuru, Odah commended him for creating an atmosphere where every political actor feels welcome.

He said the governor's inclusive approach had made political reunification in Ebonyi state both possible and meaningful.

He recalled that many people once doubted the possibility of a united political front in the state, but the current administration’s style of governance has strengthened collaboration rather than division.

Odah stressed that political differences must never escalate into hostility, insisting that genuine development can only be achieved through dialogue and collective reasoning.

“There is no need for a battle when we can sit at a round table and solve our problems. Even countries that go to war eventually return to dialogue. If our intention is to develop the state, then there is no need for fighting,” he said.

He described both APC and PDP in Ebonyi as one political family with shared history and common faces, dismissing the idea of “winning someone over” as an unnecessary narrative.

According to him, the parties only took different paths, but their roots remain intact.

The former commissioner vowed to bring back the peace-driven politics he had always championed, calling on politicians to avoid violence, especially during elections.

He warned that destructive politics only empowers adversaries.

“If we pound ourselves into the mud and cook our soup with our blood, who will eat it? The enemy will eat it. Let’s win elections without violence, particularly in Igbo land,” he said.

Odah urged APC members to be ambassadors of peace, empathy, tolerance, and brotherhood, stressing that political success must translate into the wellbeing of the people.

He also clarified that his long absence from partisan politics was self-imposed to allow younger politicians space to grow, emphasizing that he holds no grudges against anyone.

On development concerns, Odah lamented the absence of electricity and motorable roads in his Ukawu community.

He expressed optimism that his return to active politics would help attract needed infrastructure.

“If my coming back to the party will bring my people these amenities, let it be,” he said.

Earlier, the State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, welcomed Odah into the party, praising Governor Nwifuru for fostering the kind of political environment where all interested individuals feel free to join or return.

Emegha reiterated that the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ebonyi is committed to peaceful dialogue and collective problem solving.

“Not that opposition is not good, it challenges the ruling party to do more. But there is no need for a battle when we can sit at a round table and proffer solutions. If your blueprint is to develop the state, then there is no need for fighting,” he said.

He emphasized that during conflicts, brothers and sisters should come together to advise one another rather than taking issues to the public, stressing that the party’s ultimate goal is the development of Ebonyi State.