The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has described the wave of defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a strong validation of President Bola Tinubu’s performance in office.
Speaking in Enugu at a gathering where new members from the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were welcomed into the APC, Nnaji urged the people of the South East to rally behind the ruling party.
He emphasized that aligning with the APC would position the region for greater political and economic benefits.
According to Nnaji, the APC is laying the groundwork to challenge the PDP-led government in Enugu State in the 2027 elections.
Among the latest defectors are prominent political figures, including Chief Basil Ani, a former PDP stalwart from Ukana, Udi Local Government Area; Chief Emeka Abah, previously with the LP in Udenu LGA; and Tony Chigbo, a former PDP leader in Uzo-Uwani LGA, along with their supporters.
Nnaji took a swipe at the current Enugu State administration, accusing it of burdening residents with excessive taxation.
“We are bringing up an alternative government, a government that is based on the people of Enugu State, a government that will come and listen to the cry of the people. We’re appealing to our people to keep joining the APC, that’s the party at the national level,” he stated.
Highlighting the benefits of APC-led governance, he added:
“You can see the number of jobs we have provided, both employment and appointments. It has never been this good in the South East and Enugu State in particular.”
APC’s Enugu State chairman, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, echoed Nnaji’s sentiments, asserting that the party was now more formidable than ever.
He argued that Enugu had lagged behind its neighboring states due to prolonged PDP dominance.
“States like Anambra and Ebonyi have overtaken Enugu, why is it so? It’s so because a cabal has held us captive for 26 years of democracy, and we are here to take power from them. Every state in the eastern region has had the benefit of experiencing another party in power. Enugu is the only state where one party has been in power for 26 years, and we say no to that. There must be change in Enugu State,” Agballah declared.
One of the defectors, Chief Ani, emphasized that joining APC was more than just a political move but a commitment to change.
“Joining APC is not just about agreeing with the policies of signing a membership card, it’s about making a personal commitment, about putting our values into action, and about working together not just as party members but as fellow citizens to create the society of our dreams, which we know is possible,” he said.
Ani and other new entrants pledged to mobilize resources to strengthen the APC in their respective local government areas, promising full support for the party’s victory in 2027.
This development follows a recent event where Minister Nnaji, Agballah, and Chief Emma Eneukwu, APC’s Deputy National Chairman (South), presented Labour Party House of Representatives members from Enugu State to the APC leadership in anticipation of their formal defection.
Among those expected to switch allegiance to APC are Sunday Umeha, representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency; Chima Atu, representing Enugu North/Enugu South Federal Constituency; and Chidi Obetta, representing Nsukka/Igboeze-South Federal Constituency.
Others introduced to the APC’s national leadership include Oguerinwa Amadi, the Labour Party’s Enugu West Senatorial candidate, and Emeka Mamah, a former Commissioner in Enugu State.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the APC appears determined to expand its influence in Enugu, capitalizing on high-profile defections and growing discontent with the current administration.
