Ikpeazu Dismisses Rumor Of  His Alleged Defection, Says PDP Remains A Party Of Choice In Abia

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has restated his strong membership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, dismissing rumors of his alleged defection plans as unfounded.

The Governor stated this on Sunday, while addressing a meeting of the Stakeholders of the party at the Micheal Okpara Auditorium Umuahia.

While reassuring party stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm over the rumored defection of party members to other parties in the state, Ikpeazu said 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 made it clear that the Peoples Democratic Party remains as strong as ever adding that it is a party of choice in Abia State.

The Governor while challenging stakeholders of the party at all levels to close ranks and work in harmony with leaders of the party also called for all hands must be on deck to consolidate on the gains and strength of the party in the State.

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.

Governor Ikpeazu 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 expressed optimism that 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.

The event was attended by notable PDP stakeholders including Member House of Representatives,Hon. Nkem Abonta, Speaker Abia state House of Assembly, Engr. Chinedum Orji, Former State Chairmen of the Party,

Chief Tony Ukasoanya and Senator Emma Nwaka among others.