6th August, 2015
At least 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra, eastern Nigeria.
The members took the action at the swearing in of the newly elected members of APGA state executive committee in Awka.
One of the defectors Mr Uchenna Umerie, a former lawmaker in the state, said he decided to dump the PDP for APGA because the administration of Gov. Willie Obiano was doing well.
He said that he could no longer cope with the protracted crisis in the state chapter of the PDP.
Mr Tokas Ohazuluike, a PDP lawmaker in the state representing Ihiala constituency, said he and his supporters had no option than join hands with the APGA-led administration to build the state.
Dr Victor Oye, APGA National chairman welcomed the defectors and promised a level playing ground for everybody.
He said that the formal swearing in of the new leadership of the party was to give them legal backing to perform their function as contained in the party’s constitution.
In his remark Gov. Willie Obiano described the event as “Pentecost” and urged the new leadership to perform their duties with “boldness and conviction.”
He urged them to spread the message of unity and love to all members of the party and assured them of his support.
The governor said the “good work” of his government would make the next election a walkover for APGA in Anambra.