By Abigail Philip David
Chris Okewulonu, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, along with Ihedioha’s former deputy governorship candidate, Chuma Nnaji, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, bringing with them a significant number of supporters.
The defection ceremony took place at the APC secretariat in Owerri, where Okewulonu addressed party members and explained his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“You may recall that a few months ago, I resigned from the PDP and its Board of Trustees,” he said. “This decision came after deep introspection and consultations with my family, political associates, and well-wishers.”
Okewulonu expressed dissatisfaction with the PDP’s current state, saying, “The qualities that initially attracted me to the PDP have been eroded and irretrievably lost. I could no longer align myself with a party that has become ineffective and almost non-existent as an opposition.”
Reflecting on his observations of Imo politics, Okewulonu lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership under the APC, citing the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, governance, and human capacity building.
“Five years into Governor Uzodimma’s administration, it is evident that the 3R agenda has delivered good governance and meaningful development to Imo State,” he said.
Uzodimma Welcomes New Members
Governor Hope Uzodimma described the defectors’ move as a significant boost to the APC’s growing influence in Imo State.
“APC is no longer seen as a foreign party but as the only party that truly prioritizes the welfare of Imo citizens,” the governor said. “Today, genuine political leaders who want the state to progress are joining us. History will judge us if we fail to solve the problems of our people.”
Uzodimma likened the defections to strengthening a team with elite players, saying, “With leaders like Okewulonu and Nnaji, we now have the Ronaldos and Messis of politics in our party.”
Nnaji and Other Notable Defections
Chuma Nnaji, a former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, also expressed confidence in the APC, pledging to work towards the state’s progress.
“We didn’t come alone. Over 3,000 of our supporters have joined us in this move,” Nnaji announced.
Other notable defectors included Paschal Obi, former member of the House of Representatives for Ideato South, Tochukwu Okere of Owerri Federal Constituency, and several key political figures.
The defection signals a major shift in Imo’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, with the APC positioning itself as the dominant party in the state.
