Defection: APC officials declare support for Gov. Emmanuel, blast Akpabio

Chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, who held different offices in the party, have declared their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

One of their various reasons for dumping the APC, was the defection of former Governor, Godswill Akpabio, to the APC.

Addressing the crowd, the Chairman of the forum of APC Chapter chairmen, Hon. Joseph Ama pointed out that they were “appalled by the level of impunity exhibited by the APC.”

They said the “impunity has increased since the defection of Senator Akpabio to the APC,” adding that deaths have occurred within the APC fold since then.

Also addressing the audience, the Chapter chairman of APC in Itu Local government area, Hon. Sunday Okon Uyire, said that “it was practically impossible for me and my EXCO members to remain in the same party with those who in 2011, plotted to kill us.”

He stated that the memories were still fresh and that the spirit of those who died in that incident, will not forgive them, if they tagged along with the architects and perpetrators of that heinous offence.

He assured that all the officers who served with them will join hands with the sanitized PDP under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel to ensure the electoral success of all PDP candidates in the approaching polls.

They submitted a list containing the names of those defecting with them to PDP to the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Obong Paul Ekpo, who thereafter received them into the party and assured them of equal rights and privileges with pre-existing members.

In his speech, Governor Emmanuel expressed delight at the voluntariness of their action, noting that such an action could only be motivated by deep seated conviction, that cannot be bought.

He said that he “will not join issues with my detractors, as there was no basis for such.”

He, however, challenged anyone who wants to join issues with him to a debate that will be based on fact, not emotional outbursts.

The multitude of defectors dropped different insignia of their old political party and burnt them at the venue and accepted to come under the cover of the umbrella.