The former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji, has explained the reason behind his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Orji stated that he left the PDP because the party had departed from its core ideology.
Speaking in a statement released to newsmen on Friday in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, he said, “In the build-up to the 2023 general elections and in the aftermath of that election, the Peoples Democratic Party engaged in activities that were detrimental to the peace, progress, and cohesion of the party, resulting in catastrophic political losses.
“Expectations that the Party would conduct an introspective review of its performance in that election and embark on an honest process of healing wounds and rallying its members to forge a common front going forward were disappointingly not met.
“The Peoples Democratic Party, as presently constituted and run, does not hold promises for the political advancement of its members. And it has become imperative that I lead my followers to where they stand better chances of political advancement.
“I pledge my loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda to develop our nation. I salute, especially, the leaders of the APC at all levels and thank them for opening their doors to me and my followers. I also pledge to abide by the rules and regulations of the party.”
Chinedum Orji officially defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress on Tuesday and was issued the APC membership card by the state chairman of the party in Abia, Kingsley Ononogbu.
It’s worth noting that Enyinnaya, the son of Theodore Orji, a former governor of Abia State, also resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday, citing issues within the party as the reason for his decision.