Membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State chapter has swelled further with the joining of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and industrialist, Chief Kelvin Jumbo Onumah to the APC.
A former state chairman of the PDP, Senator Emma Nwaka, the former speaker of the House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji and many aides of the former governor, Okezie Ikpeazu have earlier joined the APC.
The oil and gas tycoon and a PDP 2023 aspirant for Aro/Ohafia House of Representatives ticket was received into the APC fold, yesterday, by the chairman, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu in Umuahia, the state capital.
Speaking after presenting a bunch of broom, the symbol of the party to Onumah, Ononogbu appreciated the “influx of notable members of others parties into the APC since after 2023 general election”.
He attributed “the welcome and timely development”, to the unity of purpose and achievement of members of the APC in various positions which the leaders are very proud of.
Ononogbu, who urged Onumah to bring his wealth of experience as an accomplished international business man into the APC, charged him to be loyal to the APC as “there are great rewards for that”.
Introducing Onumah earlier to the leaders of the chapter, the APC 2023 campaign director general in the state, High Chief Uche Ogboso welcomed him into their fold with open arms.
He explained that Onumah, who is from Abiriba in Ohafia local government area had gone through the process of registration “from ward to local government level before coming to the state .”
In a remark, Onumah appreciated the leadership of the chapter for their warm reception, assuring that he would represent the party adequately and contribute his quota to its growth any where he found himself.
“I join the APC at this point in time because I have began to realize that my political vision is in complete alignment with that of the party and I promise not to disappoint on my pledge.”
He said “When it comes to character and integrity, I won’t be found wanting. There could be occasions when the party’s decision may not be in my favour, but I will remain loyalty to the party in its interest.”
Similarly, one of the founding fathers of PDP in the state from Abiriba, Ancient Prince George Anyaso, who had long defected to the APC confirmed that “Onumah has done the needful and he is here to conclude his defection”.