EXCLUSIVE: Ebonyi Governor Moves To Dump PDP For APC

Posted by African Examiner Exclusive Reports, Featured, Latest Headlines Thursday, November 12th, 2015

*Moves Anger Ex-SGF Anyim Pius Anyim

By Ignatius Okpara in Abakaliki

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Governor Dave Umahi, of Ebonyi State, may have concluded plans to dump the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), AFRICAN EXAMINER has reliably gathered.

A dependable source and close political ally of the Ebonyi number one citizen who craved anonymity told our Correspondent that “as one of the poorest states in Nigeria, the Governor cannot afford to be in opposition party.”

“You know the price opposition Governors pay in Nigeria is huge and enormous.”

“So, going by the winners take it all style of politics we play in Nigeria, many Governors will not like to be in opposing party if they really want to deliver on their campaign promises to the electorates” the source told our Correspondent.

Investigations by AFRICAN EXAMINER revealed that the Governor’s recent visit to ex-Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his Abeokuta residence, may not be unconnected with the defection move.

Umahi, is among the very few PDP Governors, that had never picked holes in any of the far reaching decisions taken so far by President Muhammadu Buhari, since assumption of office, including the alleged marginalization claim in appointments by the people of South East Nigeria.

The source posited “after all, there is nothing wrong with a politician embracing a political platform of his choice.

It was also learnt that the newly sworn-in Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who hails from the state, is among politicians that persuaded the Governor to cross carpet to the ruling party.

Meanwhile, the development AFRICAN EXAMINER gathered, has pitched Governor Umahi, against his ardent supporter and the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

The former Senate President it was also gathered, is bitter with the Governor for not consulting him while considering the option. Anyim was said to have considered Umahi’s action as a betrayal in the highest order.

As the Governor continues with the political re-alignment move, only time will tell whether he will dump his party for the ruling APC or not.