Chris Okewulonu, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, alongside Chuma Nnaji, Ihedioha’s former deputy governorship candidate, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, bringing with them their supporters.
The defection took place at the APC secretariat in Owerri, Imo State.
During the event, Okewulonu addressed party members, highlighting his recent resignation from both the PDP and its Board of Trustees.
He explained that his decision to leave the PDP followed deep reflection and consultations with his family, political colleagues, and well-wishers.
Okewulonu went on to describe his growing disillusionment with the PDP, stating that the values that initially attracted him to the party had been eroded over time.
He explained that his time away from active politics allowed him to critically evaluate Imo’s political landscape and reconsider his role in the state’s development.
He expressed his belief that Nigeria’s opposition parties were struggling with internal disagreements, which led him to question whether he could continue supporting a party that was not effectively contributing to the political progress of Imo State.
Okewulonu further emphasized that he wanted to contribute more actively to improving the lives of the people of Imo, which he felt was better achieved by aligning with the APC.
Reflecting on the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Okewulonu praised the governor’s efforts, particularly highlighting the administration’s infrastructural achievements and human capacity-building initiatives.
He expressed his support for Uzodimma’s governance, stating that the administration had delivered significant benefits to the people of Imo.
Governor Uzodimma welcomed Okewulonu, Nnaji, and their supporters into the APC fold, calling the defection a positive step for the party.
He acknowledged that the APC had faced challenges in the past but now stood as the party that truly cared for Imo citizens.
Uzodimma described the influx of new members as a sign of the growing influence and strength of the APC in the state, emphasizing that it was a party for genuine progress.
“We are now attracting people who truly want Imo to progress. The real leaders are returning to APC, and we must all work together to address the problems of our people,” Uzodimma said.
The governor also likened the arrival of Okewulonu and Nnaji to a sports team signing top players, saying, “In football, when you sign great players like Ronaldo and Messi, your team becomes stronger. This is what is happening now in our party.”
Nnaji, who also spoke at the event, expressed his confidence in APC’s leadership, stating that over 3,000 of his supporters had joined the party alongside him.
Other key political figures who joined the APC with Okewulonu and Nnaji include Paschal Obi, a former member of the House of Representatives from Ideato South, and Tochukwu Okere, the current representative for Owerri Federal Constituency, among others.
