Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Obudu LGA, northern Senatorial District of Cross River State Nigeria have defected to the All Progressive Congress, APC.
The Deputy Governor Rt Hon. Peter Odey on Saturday received decampees led by the brother of the PDP State Chairman Mr Ukeh lkem.
Mr lkem who on behalf of all the defectors, spoke on how they have been liberated
For instance, he said they neither cajoled, intimidated or paid to defect to the APC.
Accordingly, he pledged their total loyalty to APC and the government of Cross River State.
In addition, he promised that they will leave no stone unturned until they liberate others.
“Accept us as your own,” Ikem appealed to Governor Otu and his deputy Hon. Odey.
Meanwhile, Odey appreciated the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, the former Chief of Staff, Chief Martins Orim, who joined him to receive the decampees.
Also, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, Hon. Ken Aklah and all other APC stalwarts accompanied him on the occasion.
They expressed happiness, said that even if by tomorrow, more people are willing to join them, they will come back.
“We don’t want to leave any remnants. “We assure you that we will treat everyone equally.”
The called on them to come with a heart to support the APC and build the government of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
On one hand, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Obudu Chapter Mr Henry Ubibli, also welcome the defectors.
He told them APC has no restriction, “so all who choose to join the party are welcome to do so.”
Moreover,” the decision of former Governor Ayade to join APC was to bring governance closer to people” he recalled.
Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi welcomed the defectors,
“Obudu is APC anytime and any day,” Hon. Agabi assured there will be no segregation.
Meanwhile, former Chief of Staff, Chief Martins Orim spoke about how they have been canvassing for people to join APC.
“Although all elections had been won in Obudu, not all the wards were won,” he said.
“In the last couple of months, we have been canvassing, holding talks and encouraging people to join the APC.”
Chief Orim called on their new party faithfuls, to help recover the lost glory of Cross River North.
According to the former Chief of Staff “APC did not and will not pay anyone money to defect.”