From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A former chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Prince Chidi Ogbulafor, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with his numerous supporters.
This comes as he commended President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prince Ogbulafor, an ex-Transition Committee Chairman of Umuahia South Local Government Area and the younger brother of a former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the late Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, promised to strengthen the party in the state.
Addressing supporters and party members at his Ahia-Ukwu Ward 1, Umuahia South, Ogbulafor declared that although he was officially joining the APC, he was not new to the broom symbol of the party, as he had previously contested an election under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Ogbulafor said he decided to join the APC after observing the progress being made in the South-East through the party in various areas, adding that he joined to be part of the development process by contributing in whatever capacity he was needed.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill establishing the SEDC, which he said demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing the zone’s peculiar needs.
Ogbulafor further lauded the financial allocations to state governments under the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), emphasising that no previous administration had provided such financial support to states.
The former LG boss pledged to use his strong grassroots background to mobilise massive support for the APC in his ward and beyond, assuring that he would contribute to the party’s growth and development in the South-East geopolitical zone.
The APC Chairman in Ahia-Ukwu Ward 1, Okezie Onuoha, who officially presented Ogbulafor to the party leaders, confirmed that he had fulfilled all requirements for membership and described him as “a big fish” whose presence would strengthen the party.
Uche Onyemachi, APC chairman in Umuahia South Local Government Area, hailed Ogbulafor’s defection, calling it a major milestone for the party in the local government area.
The Chairman of APC stakeholders in Abia State, Chris Okpechi, officially handed Ogbulafor the party’s symbol, the broom, and his membership card to mark his formal integration into the party.
