Hon. Chidiebere Okoh, who vied as the 2023 House of Assembly candidate for Bende North Constituency in Abia State under the Action Democratic Party (ADP), has crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His move has also been supported by a multitude of followers from the five electoral wards in the state constituency.
Key figures making the switch include the ward chairpersons, as well as the youth and women leaders of ADP.
During a gathering at Okoko Item Civic Hall on Sunday, Okoh emphasized that his allegiance to APC is not solely for contesting elections but to align himself with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the representative of Abia North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. Okoh commended their effective leadership during their tenure so far.
He also highlighted his commitment to collaborating with other forward-thinking members to ensure a victorious outcome for the APC in the 2027 elections. Additionally, Okoh vowed to foster unity within the party, particularly within his local Bende North State Constituency ward.
Upon welcoming the ADP defectors, Chief Anthony Onyekwere, the Chairman of APC, Item Ward B in Bende Local Government Area, who led the ward executive members, expressed confidence in the bold move initiated by the defectors. He lauded the decision of Okoh, stating, “It is gratifying to have our brother on board, and his switch to APC will bolster the party’s chances of securing the next State House of Assembly seat. The increasing influx of members from other parties into the APC in Abia State indicates a promising future for the party in upcoming local, state, and national elections.”
Chief Onyekwere reassured the new APC members of equal opportunities and fair treatment in all party-related activities, while also urging them to steer clear of any actions that could harm the party’s interests.