It was on Tuesday January 9, 2018, when history was made in Umuahia precisely at the township stadium as the opposition in Abia showed strong signals politically that may end the inglorious days of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). For the very first time, Abians had gathered in their thousands under the political platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC) to serve a quit notice to Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu and his party, the PDP ahead of 2019 elections.
The chairman of the Abia Mega Rally Organising Committee, Hon. Acho Obioma and his members had packaged an inspiring thought-provoking political rally that emotionally rekindled the peoples’ confidence and trust in the party.
The state chairman, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, earlier reeled out what could be described as a progressive report indicating areas of successes and challenges the party has recorded since its inception in the state.
The National Vice Chairman, South East, Hon. Emma Eneukwu, in his goodwill message enjoined Ndigbo to join and embrace APC to among other political gains position themselves politically for Igbo presidency ahead of 2023.
For Sen. Osita Izunaso and Dr. George Moghalu, the organising secretary and national auditor respectively, Ndigbo and Abia people have merely taken the very bold steps of correcting the mistakes of the 2015. Both national officers of the party, however, enjoined party leaders and members to always with one voice as well as ensuring that only credible persons with impeccable character are presented as candidates during the forthcoming general elections.
Also speaking, the former governor of Enugu State, Barr. Sullivan Chime, decried the 16 wasteful years of the PDP as well as the obvious neglect of the south east by the former ruling party. He applauded President Mohammadu Buhari and APC for what he described as their ‘sincerity’ towards towards rebuilding the zone.
Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, who incidentally is the chairman Progressives Governors Forum(PGF), in his emotion-laden speech, urged Abians to support APC in the forthcoming elections. Why decrying what he called regional and clannish politics played by some Igbos, the only APC governor from south east, however, harped on the need for Ndigbo to hook up strongly at the national political grid.
The former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, however toed the glorious path of assuring the visiting party leaders of the preparedness of Abia APC Leaders to work harmoniously towards taking over power in 2019. He lambasted ex-governor Theodore Orji and the incumbent governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu accusing them of taking the state backwards after his days as governor of the state. He also decried the inability of Dr. Ikpeazu-led government to pay workers salaries and pensions in the state.
The national chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun, who was visibly elated, commended Abia APC Leaders for growing and repositioning the party in the state. He urged then to work closely as one united family to ensure that APC sweeps all elective positions in Abia come 2019.
Major highlight of the event was the formal reception of defectors into the party which notably include Dr. Uche Samson Ogah, President, Masters Group, Sir. Marc Wabara, former Managing Director of the defunct Hallmark Bank Plc, immediate past Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Azubuike, 3 other members and many other political gladiators too numerous to mention.
Meanwhile, the venue was suddenly electrified when Dr. Uche Ogah and thousands of his supporters stormed in a grand style. The cerebral and colorful businessman cum politician had practically announced his preparedness and commitment to lead the fierce political struggle of taking over the governorship of Abia State in 2019.
While speaking on behalf of the defectors, Dr. Ogah promised to work purposefully and closely with other leaders of the party to mobilize strongly for APC’s victory at all levels in Abia.
He, however, urged Anians to support the federal government under President Mohammadu Buhari whom he said meant well for the entire country.
