ANPP, APGA Supporters Set To Join PDP

There are indications that membership of Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would soon swell following the resolve of thousands of supporters of both the All Nigeria Peoples Party and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to dump their parties for PDP.

The bulk of those wishing to embrace PDP are supporters of Chief Ikechi Emenike, the 2007 governorship candidate of ANPP and Chief Uzodinma Okpara, who was also the APGA governorship candidate, who have both rejoined PDP.

Emissaries from the ANPP and APGA camps informed a meeting of Umuhu Ward of PDP in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area recently that final touches were being put to their plans to rejoin PDP from where they left with their principals.

Reacting to the news, the lawmaker representing Umuahia North (Ohuhu) state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Ejiogu, said the intention of their brothers to return to PDP would strengthen the party for 2011 general elections and unite Ohuhu people.

“PDP is a mass movement. Our umbrella is ever large to accommodate all people. Things happen when people unite and we will be happy to welcome our brothers back to our fold,” he said.

Another PDP stalwart in the ward, Chuks Nwagbara, expressed happiness that rather than shrink, PDP was increasing in membership as an opposition party.

“Our party,” Nwagbara said, “is increasing in membership instead of decreasing. This is an indication that people have abiding faith in the party.”

He said the development was a sign that progressive forces were coming together to fight “the forces of darkness that have held Abia down for nearly 10 years.”

The lawmaker used the forum to brief his constituents on the “state of the state,” as he told the PDP faithful that the economic meltdown was hitting Abia hard so much so that nothing much is left for capital projects after salaries of workers were deducted.

He announced plans to open a constituency office where he could always meet with his constituents to enable him to serve them better.

Umuhu Ward Chairman, Chief Chukwudi Nkemakolam, extolled Ejiogu for effectively representing and assisting his constituents.

“We have no regrets for electing you to go and represent us in the Assembly,” Nkemakolam told Ejiogu.

He also commended party faithful for keeping faith with the PDP through out the period of the legal tango for the gubernatorial seat and sticking with the party since the verdict.