From Nnamdi Ofonye
The rumoured defection of Mr.Peter Obi to the ruling People’s Democratic Party may not mean much to everyone else but his allies in the All Progressives Grand Alliance. Peter Obi was for about five years the only governor on the platform of APGA before he was joined in 2011 by Rochas Okorocha of Imo state. Mr. Obi remained in APGA until he served out his tenure as governor of Anambra State in March this year.
If he eventually announces his defection, APGA may be left without the experience of a former governor even after it had produced two.
To brace up for the challenge ahead, the party that use to dominate the politics of the south east recently held a mobilization rally in Owerri, capital of Imo state. They sounded a clear notice that APGA is set to take over the state once again.
Present at the rally were the national leadership of the party, the only serving governor on the platform of APGA, Willie Obiano of Anambra State, and other stalwarts from the five south eastern states. The drummed up support for all their aspirants and reaffirmed the party’s decision not to present a candidate for next year’s Presidential election haven adopted President Jonathan as their candidate.
National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh said the party decided to adopt Pres. Jonathan because he has proven that he has the well being of the Igbos at heart.
Top on the list of states that APGA would aim to win is Imo. One of the aspirants, a former minister of interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho is optimistic that the Rochas Okorocha administration will end in May next year. Gov. Obiano called on the people to replicate the Anambra victory in Imo during the election in Febraury next year.
Over 12 thousand party faithfuls and supporters of the various aspirants on the platform of APGA from the 5 south eastern states trooped to the Dan Anyiam stadium for the party’s sensitization rally. Despite the heavy down pour, the people were not detered.
Some politicians who are defecting from various political parties also attended to be counted.
