By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Spokesperson to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship Candidate in Ebonyi state, Chief Emmanuel Igwe, has dismissed rumours that suggested defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Igwe, said he would ordinarily not to dignify such speculation with a response, but considering the deliberate attempt to attach political meaning to an entirely ordinary encounter, which he considered it necessary to put the facts straight.

The PDP chieftain stated that earlier yesterday, Sunday, November 1, 2026, a message was circulated in the WhatsApp group of former members of the State Executive Council who served under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, inviting them to a town hall meeting scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.

He explained that he deliberately ignored the invitation because of the political interpretations it might attach to my presence at such a gathering, particularly at this sensitive period ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

This was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki.

According to him, he had a personal matter to discuss with Rev. Father Abraham Nwali. When he informed me that he was at the Ecumenical Centre, I proceeded there to attend to the matter. Upon arrival, I had no reason to avoid exchanging pleasantries with friends, associates and respected personalities whom I encountered.

"Among those I exchanged pleasantries with were the former Governor Deputy of Ebonyi state, Professor Chigozie Ogbu; Senator Julius Ali Ucha; Hon. Innocent Ugo Chima; members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership in Ebonyi State; the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC; traditional rulers and others.

“Interestingly, the Master of Ceremonies repeatedly announced my name, apparently drawing attention to my presence. I eventually made my way out of the hall before the commencement of the event.

“I am pleased with the enthusiasm displayed by many Ebonyians who were happy to catch a glimpse of me after more than three years.

“Their warm reception was encouraging, but it should not be misconstrued as a political declaration or an indication of any change in my political allegiance.

“Let me state categorically that I am not contemplating defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), not even in the nearest future.”

Igwe noted that he remained firmly committed to the political aspiration of Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the governorship candidate of PDP and the vision of the movement he proudly represents.

"It is unfortunate,” he said, “that a simple act of exchanging pleasantries with political leaders and friends has become material for sensational headlines. Must political relationships in Ebonyi State be reduced to hostility, suspicion and unnecessary conspiracy theories?”

Igwe maintained that politics should not destroy friendships, family relationships and the bonds that hold the society together, adding that people must learn to disagree politically without becoming enemies.

While revealing that over 3,000 people have indicated interest in joining the PDP movement in the state

Their enthusiasm and confidence in the vision of Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii are encouraging. Our doors remain open to every Ebonyi citizen who believes in competent leadership, economic transformation, inclusiveness and a better future for our state.

"To those manufacturing defection stories from ordinary social interactions, I advise that they concentrate on issues that genuinely matter to Ebonyians rather than reading political meanings into every handshake, greetings or chance encounter,” Igwe said.

He insisted that the 2027 governorship election should be about ideas, capacity, competence, development and the future of Ebonyi State, not bitterness, intimidation or manufactured controversies.