By Sunday Majuk in Biase
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered another set back as former governorship aspirant Chief Ogba Ebock, and hubdreds of supporters have dumped party to opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Their defection has created political tension amongst some APC stalwarts, fuelling speculations that all is not well with the party and many more may go. Their defection has also upset the back-to-south agitation as Chief Ebock was a dyed-in-the-wool supporter of the project.
In the last couple of months, some top aides of Governor Ben Ayade including Dominic Kidzu, Bobby Ekpenyong, Austin Ibok and numerous APC members in Yakurr, Obubra, Northern district and Bakassi have dumped the party for PDP.
Speaking on behalf of other defectors at a rally held at Iwuru community in Biase local governemnt area yesterday, Chief Ogban Ebock said he is happy to return to where he rightly belongs.
Ebock said: “By the grace of God, the breach organization has decided that today to breach all those bandits so that the Caterpillar can move freely.
“Seven years ago, I left PDP because of the characters who were in the party then. Now we have been justified. We stood firm. They came and met me when I was on sabatical in APC. So, I decided to return to PDP where I rightly belong. I’ve come
back with great zeal. I’ve come back with determination to reclaim our State”.
Speaking while receiving the defectors into PDP, Sen. Sandy Onor, the party governorship candidate said: “We’re here in Iwuru, not to Kickstart our campaign but on a visit to receive with joy and gladness Chief Ogban Ebock from the APC to the PDP.
“Chief Ebock is a Pathfinder. Very soon, the ban of defection from the APC to the PDP in Biase shall be broken. Across the state our brothers and sisters have been decamping from the APC to PDP.
“They’re coming in droves.
We’ve learnt to tell our people the truth. When they give us their mandate, it is expected that we shall continue to tell them the truth”.
Present at the event include party chairman, Vena Ikem, the state party Financial Secretary Mr. Chris Edadi and some members of the State Executive Committee.
Others were Southern Senatorial candidate, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, candidate for Akamkpa/Biase federal constituency Mr. Austin Aidam, Dr Mrs Itam Abang, Dr Pauline Ekuri, DG Reclaim Cross River support group, Paul Ishabor, Esq, DG Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, and DG Gershom Bassey Campaign Organization.
