Following mixed reactions on former Governor of Anambra, Mr. Peter Obi’s move to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), more facts have emerged on what informed his decision.
Speaking to journalists during an interactive session with Igbo social groups in Lagos State, Obi said:
“There is nothing wrong with APGA, and my joining the PDP has nothing to do with APGA. I enjoy cordial relationship with Chief Willie Obiano and the Government is doing well. I will continue to support him in building a better Anambra State for the good of the children of the State.”
Asked the main reason why he left APGA, Obi answered that it was because of his commitment to be strongly involved in President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.
“Mr. President is doing very well. He has a lot of policies in place that will transform the country if re-elected. We shall support him fully for the benefit of the country,” he said.
The delegation was led by Barr. Olisa Metuh, who said that never in the history of the PDP has such a delegation been sent to persuade anybody to join the PDP, but that the South-East leaders had to do it in Obi’s case because of his past performance and the value he would bring to the party.
It will be recalled that Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State recently joined the PDP saying it was not because of Ondo State or Labour Party, but that it would offer him the opportunity to support the Jonathan more strongly. Obi who also cited the same reason said that he discussed the matter with Mimiko several times.
Victor Umeh Celebrates Obi’s exit from APGA
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, has said the party lost nothing over the defection of former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking to journalists at a rally in Asaba on Wednesday where Dr. Anthony Azuya, a House of Representatives candidate, led defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) to APGA, Umeh said as Obi left the party, more people were joining the party.
“You can see that as Obi left the party yesterday, about 7,000 people have joined the party today. It is like a church. As some people are leaving, many more people are coming in.
“If there is any problem (with the party), people will not be trooping to APGA. We are happy that Obi left,” Umeh said.
However Umeh maintained that APGA is unwavering in its support for the candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan in next year’s election.
“Apart from the presidential election, APGA will field candidates in all the elections in 2015,” he added.
He warned Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow the people’s votes count in the 25th October local government election in the state.
Azuya, who is the candidate of APGA for Oshimili/Aniocha Federal Constituency in the 2015 House of Reps election, said the APGA project in Delta State was to change lives, inspire and motivate youths to make them employable.
He promised not to fail the people if they support his candidacy.