Former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and immediate past member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nwazunku, who represented Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, made the formal declaration during an Echiaba Ward meeting held at Hon. Amobi Nwofoke's residence in Ugwuachara. The APC Ward Chairman hosted the event.

Several other notable PDP figures joined Nwazunku in defecting, including Hon. Emeka Otozi, the party's 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Ebonyi North, the PDP Ward Chairman in Echiaba, and numerous political allies.

Chief Patrick Orogbo, APC Chairman for Ebonyi Local Government Area, received the defectors on behalf of the State Chairman. He congratulated them for what he described as a "courageous and strategic decision" while assuring them of equal opportunities within the party structure.

"The party remains committed to internal democracy, transparency, and inclusiveness, regardless of political background or previous affiliation," Orogbo stated.

Governor's Performance Attracts Opposition Members

In his remarks, Amobi Nwofoke praised Governor Francis Nwifuru's performance over the past two years, noting that his "outstanding developmental strides" had significantly weakened opposition in the state. According to Nwofoke, the governor's work is gradually transforming Ebonyi into a unified political entity.

Speaking after his official defection, Nwazunku revealed that although he had physically remained in the PDP, his "spirit had long departed from the party due to its diminishing internal coherence and relevance."

The former speaker explained that his decision to join the APC was inspired by the remarkable accomplishments of both Governor Nwifuru at the state level and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration nationally.

Nwazunku pledged to mobilize his supporters across Ebonyi State to ensure the APC's success in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

This defection represents another significant political realignment in Ebonyi State, where the APC has been gaining ground since Governor Nwifuru's election.