From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
A member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former House of Representatives member in Ebonyi State, Peter Edeh has rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Edeh, who represented Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency between 2011 and 2015, rejoined APC with thousands of supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Labour Party. He had dumped APC before the 2023 general elections, and joined the PDP to contest for the House of Representatives seat, but couldn’t get the party’s ticket for the general election.
While defecting with his supporters, Ede pledged to assist in building a better environment, saying, “Some of us are rejoining the party while others are freshers. We decided to join the party because of the friendly atmosphere your people have fostered in the state. I want to pay due recognition to the governor, who has demonstrated humility in handling the affairs of the state. We, as a group started supporting him before the election and he won the election landslide in our areas of influences. He has provided good leadership,” he said.
The state APC Chairman, Stanley Emegha, who promised the defectors equal treatment, said the party could accommodate everyone with genuine intention, stressing that Governor Francis Nwifuru was working with the best brains without minding their political parties.
Emegha further noted that the present administration led by Governor Nwifuru was more concerned about re-strategising in order to make the state a reference point of excellence among the comity of states.
“I am happy that these multitudes have joined our formidable party today. People celebrate with whom God has already been ordained. The APC is not only blessed, but it is also doing exploits in addressing issues of concerns to the people. Many of you left the party then just to show your grievances, but thank God, the party is hale and hearty, and even better now.
“Governor Nwifuru has distinguished himself in the leadership of the state. He is a rare leader, whose quest to improve lives has remained unparalleled and unchallenged. The Governor wants Ebonyi to take the lead as the best among states of the federation. Under his watch, the state is not only competing favourably, but is also a reference point of good governance in the nation. Let me inform you that the Governor is driving at nothing other than to rapidly and sustainably develop Ebonyi and her people.
“As one of the Governor’s lieutenants, I am urging you to actively participate in the activities of the party. There would be no segregation because we all can be comfortably accommodated. Let’s help the Governor actualise his dream for better Ebonyi and her people. Let’s help in making this place a preferred economic destination for investors by joining forces with the governor in fighting societal ills such as youth restiveness and insecurity in general. The governor has shown a lot of trust in the ability of persons working with him, hence, they are at liberty to bring their expertise and wealth of experience to bear for a better society.
“The governor is only looking for the best brains and your move today has made the APC stronger. I still remember all my efforts to get you back before now, but I thank God it is happening today. Let us build a stronger and better party, and by extension, a better state. We need experienced people and green horns alike to make progress,” he stated.