Ebonyi Ex-Commissioner Decamps PDP For APC

Abia Onyike, a former commissioner in Ebonyi State, has joined the All Progressives Congress, the state’s ruling party, after defecting from the PDP.

PUNCH Online reports that Onyike served as the Special Adviser on Media Relations under former Governor Sam Egwu and as Commissioner for Information during the administration of Martin Elechi.

Onyike, a former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, announced his decision to leave the party that had supported him at a ceremony in Owutu Edda Ward, located in the Edda Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday.

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In a statement on Thursday, Onyike said he was joining the APC because of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s perceived restoration of good governance.

He said, “My decision to join the APC is because of the need to build a solid alliance of support for Governor Nwifuru, who has taken steps to restore good governance and inclusive politics in Ebonyi State.

“Politics is local, and we are driven by our own developmental aspirations in our state. I am joining other progressive forces in the state to sustain and consolidate the current peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the state under Governor Nwifuru.”

The Chairman of the APC in Owutu Edda Ward, Mr. Oko Ogbuagu, expressed the party’s happiness in welcoming Onyike to its fold.

“Onyike is a tested hand. He is a man of the people, and his entry into our party will enhance its fortunes in future elections,” he said.