We are not worried about defections, PDP remains strong in Ebonyi- Chukwuma Ifeanyi

We are not worried about defections, PDP remains strong in Ebonyi- Chukwuma Ifeanyi

Joel Oladele, Abuja

The Ebonyi State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 general election, Chief Chukwuma Ifeanyi Odii FHL, has allayed fear over recent defection rocking the party in the state.

In his Easter message to Ebonyians on Friday, Chukwuma, urged party loyalists not to be worried about the development as it’s an opportunity to separate the shaft from the wheat.

In the statement made available to National Periscope, he noted that in most cases, the defections are  ripple effects of 2023 general elections while in some others, it is driven by personal interest.

He therefore called on members of the party to remain steadfast, assuring them of better days ahead.

The statement read: “Dear compatriots, patriotic and committed members of the Peoples Democratic Party and Fellow Ebonyians

Easter Greetings to us all.

“In the last few months there has been series of defections from one party to another across various political parties in many states in Nigeria, Ebonyi State inclusive.

“The defections in some cases are a direct aftermath of the contentious 2023 general elections which shook Nigeria to its core through the various loopholes and manipulation caused by combined forces of anti-democratic elements and power mongers who tried to usurp the power of the people, in some others it is strictly driven by personal survival needs.

“In Ebonyi, a state where our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly been established for over 20 years, the gale of defections also reared its head.

“Many of our party members, supporters and lovers of democracy and good governance have inundated many of our leaders, myself inclusive with calls and messages, many expressing concern on the health of our party in Ebonyi State.

“Indeed, Nigeria is a multi-party democracy where our constitution guarantees the right of everyone to belong to any legal organisation of their choice including political parties.

“In our dear PDP in Ebonyi State, many people have decided to leave and join other political parties of their choice and we do not have any intention of stopping them, it is strictly their call.

“It is important, however, that we state clearly that the PDP Family in Ebonyi State is not perturbed by these defections. In fact, we see a great opportunity, an opportunity to rebuild, an opportunity to re-strategise, an opportunity to form a formidable party that is focused and ready for victory.

“Our party members and supporters must understand that it is in our best interest that persons who may have been a clog in the wheels of the party voluntarily give way for genuine, patriotic, honourable and selfless members who are ready to work and build our state.

“There is no doubt that the PDP is organically ingrained at the grassroots in Ebonyi State, and the people are eager that the party groom genuine members who will stand by the ideals of great party which is clearly rooted in our motto: POWER TO THE PEOPLE

“There is no doubt that the emergence of credible people in leadership as witnessed in the Obidient movement during the 2023 general election and the victory of the Senegalese new President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye indicate clearly that the peoples power trumps political parties or even government in power. It is established, the power resides in the people and the people alone.

“I therefore call on all members of our great party and supporters of the Anyi’Ga Emeya movement to rest assured that we remain on ground and we remain focused. 

“We are determined to take advantage of the opportunities being presented already to rejig our party for the task ahead.

Thank you and May God Bless Ebonyi State.”