Again, Ikpeazu Denies Plans To Dump PDP, Says Party Remains Strong In Abia

Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has denied rumours that he plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the APC, saying such rumour is unfounded.

The Governor who says the party remains a party of choice in the State urged that all hands must be on deck to consolidate on its gains and strength.

The Governor stated this on Sunday at the Dr. Micheal Okpara Auditorium Umuahia while addressing a meeting of the Stakeholders of the party, the first of such meetings for the year 2021.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, Governor Ikpeazu made it clear that the party remains as strong as ever in the State.

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The statement added “The Governor challenged stakeholders of the party at all levels to close ranks and work in harmony with leaders of the party.

“The Governor reassured party stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm over the rumored defection of party members to other parties in the stating that the two persons who left the party did so because he refused to make a commitment to hand over to them automatic tickets of the party for the 2023 elections. The Governor made it clear that he had no regrets over his stance because it was too early in the day to make such commitments to any person, stating that when the time is right, the party will choose her candidates. He advised party members not to allow personal ambitions to override party supremacy at a time when the general elections are almost two years away.

“The Governor congratulated the newly elected Executive Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas in the State and urged them to embark on people-oriented projects in their areas and always ensure that they keep the communication channels open between them and members of the party in their councils.

“The Governor assured party members that the baton he received from the last administration will remain intact with him and by the grace of God, the next administration in the State will be a PDP government.

“Earlier, while welcoming stakeholders to the meeting, the State Chairman of the party, Rt Hon Allwell Asiforo Okere told the members that the meeting is part of the strategies of the State Working Committee of the party to keep key stakeholders abreast of happenings in the party as well as seek their inputs into various programs of the party.

“He commended the synergy between the State Government, the party executive council in the State, as well as members of the National Assembly.

“Various speeches were delivered by different stakeholders of the party including the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, the National Organizing Secretary of the party, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd), Senators T A Orji, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Mao Ohuabunwa.

“Hon. Abonta Nkem Uzuoma spoke on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives while Speaker Chinedum Orji spoke on behalf of the State Assembly members of the PDP.

“Chief Tony Ukasoanya and Senator Emma Nwaka, both former State Chairmen of the party also spoke.

“Hon. P C Onyegbu spoke on behalf of Abia North, Barrister CSL Nwosu spoke for Abia Central while Hon. Chinwe Nwanganga spoke for Abia South.

“Chief Mrs Nnenna Obewu spoke on behalf of the Abia PDP women.

“They all restated their total commitment to the success and strength of the party in the State and congratulated Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for the huge successes recorded in infrastructural across the State.

“At the end of the meeting, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the National Organizing Secretary, Col Austin Akobundu, and State Party Chairman, Rt Hon Asiforo Okere spoke to the Press and briefed them on the proceedings of the meeting.

“The meeting will be held on a regular basis to appraise and reappraise the activities of the party in the State.”