Anambra guber: Umeoji, Soludo’s challenger, defects to APC

Chukwuma Umeoji, a member of the house of representatives representing Aguata constituency, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umeoji, a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was welcomed to the APC by Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe and APC caretaker chairman, and Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, on Friday in Abuja.

During the reception, Buni asked Umeoji to be loyal to the APC, adding that the party will protect his political interest and those of his supporters.

The Yobe governor also urged the lawmaker to work for the success of the APC in the November 6 governorship election.

“APC will stand for you and your supporters, and protect your political interest at all times,” Buni said.

“You will enjoy every privilege enjoyed by every member of the party. We expect you to be part of the success story in the coming Anambra election as our victory in the election is getting clearer every day.”

On his part, the federal lawmaker promised the APC that he will work with his supporters towards the success of the party in the governorship election.

“We shall contribute to the success awaiting the party in the Anambra election. We are part of the Nigeria project and will from now henceforth work and defend the interest of APC at all levels,” he said.

Ifechukwu Nwokoye, lawmaker representing Awka north in the Anambra house of assembly, also defected from APGA to APC.

Umeoji was the governorship candidate of the Jude Okeke-led faction of APGA, while the Victor Oye-led faction recognised Chukwuma Soludo, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as its candidate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially listed Umeoji as the APGA governorship candidate, but later recognised Soludo as the APGA candidate in line with court orders.