{From OUR POLITICAL DESK, Abakaliki}
As the National Rescue Movement (NRM) continue lamenting over the defection of their 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Comrade Tony Usulor, alongside other NRM key members, Comrade Nweke Nweke, the Media Director General of Youth O’clock has interpreted Usulor’s departure as a coalition of powerful politicians joining forces with the APC to back the current governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, in his pursuit of success in the 2027 elections.
In like manner, Mr. Charles Okeh, the APC Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, while welcoming the new entrants, urged party members, especially from Wigbeke Ward 2, to focus on unity and collective progress instead of individual ambitions as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
During Comrade Usulor’s transition to the APC, which included his supporters, Okeh called for a united effort to achieve the party’s success in future elections. He commended Governor Nwifuru and the party leadership for promoting grassroots development, attributing the APC’s growing influence to effective and inclusive governance.
Comrade Emeka Ufoo, the APC Chairman for Wigbeke Ward 2, addressed the party’s ongoing reconciliation efforts post-primaries, encouraging those who felt overlooked to be patient, assuring them that their contributions would be acknowledged.
Dr. Matthew Akpa, a key member of the Youth O’Clock Movement and a supporter of the APC, praised Usulor’s decision to join the ruling party, viewing it as a strategic political move that recognizes the governor’s successful developmental initiatives.
He emphasized that Nwifuru’s achievements reflect public confidence in his leadership and urged citizens to support his re-election in 2027 to build on these successes.
The APC leadership underlined that Nwifuru’s administration prioritizes development and community engagement, noting the increasing support he receives from outside the party, which indicates that his accomplishments have a wider political appeal.
Comrade Tony Usulor remarked that his decision to switch to the APC was inspired by Governor Nwifuru’s effective development efforts, which he believes have also earned recognition from members of rival parties.
He expressed his commitment to following APC guidelines and contributing to the party’s developmental objectives, hoping his defection would encourage cooperation and unity among key stakeholders, while urging supporters and Youth O’Clock Movement members to unite for the state’s progress.
In their remarks, Dr. Joseph Utobo, Mr. Sunday Ekpe, Mr. Philip Nwokwu, and Mrs. Victoria Oguji praised Governor Nwifuru’s leadership and the party’s strategies, which they believe are leading opposition groups to dissolve into the APC. They assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party and called for unity to secure the APC’s success in 2027.
Political analysts view this movement as a significant shift in the political landscape, noting that an increasing number of opposition leaders are aligning with the ruling APC in Ebonyi State in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
