PDP: Nigerians will soon know why Umahi defected to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Nigerians will soon know the reason David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, left the major opposition party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umahi confirmed his defection from the PDP to the APC on Tuesday and attributed his action to the “injustice” done to the south-east PDP.

He also denied speculations that he joined the APC to realise his presidential ambition.

But in a statement, Kola Ologbondiyan, national publicity secretary of the PDP, said Umahi left the major opposition party for personal reasons.

“The PDP says that the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi left our party for personal reasons, which Nigerians will come to know at the fullness of time,” he said.

“Our party thanks Governor Umahi for services rendered to the people of Ebonyi State, as the State Chairman of Ebonyi PDP (2003 to 2007); deputy governor of Ebonyi State (2007 to 2015) and two-term governor of Ebonyi (2015 till date), all elected on the platform of the PDP.

“As we wish Governor Umahi all the best in his adventure, we call on the members of our party to remain calm and committed to the ideals of our party as no individual is bigger than the PDP.”

Meanwhile, the party has also announced the dissolution of its Ebonyi state executive committees at the ward and local government levels.

Ologbondiyan explained that the decision was taken by the PDP’s national working committee (NWC) following a “crucial meeting” held on Tuesday.

He also said the NWC has also dissolved the zonal caretaker committee of the party in the south-east region.

“These decisions are pursuant to the powers conferred on the NWC by the PDP Constitution,” he said.