Dozens of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Enugu State have crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with their supporters. Among the notable defectors received at the party’s secretariat in Enugu on Saturday were former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, and former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze.

Joining them in their defection were Davidson Nnamani, Juliet Oloto, Chika Idoko, Jonathan Eze, and Mr. Umunna Ugwu of the Young Progressives Party. The event was graced by APC leaders including Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and APC Enugu State leader, Uche Nnaji, APC National Deputy Chairman South, Emma Eneukwu, and APC National Vice Chairman South East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu.

Explaining his decision to defect, Senator Utazi, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023, cited the need to align with the APC to realize Igbo presidency. He emphasized that being part of the APC was crucial for Enugu’s progress and to gain influence at the national level.

In his address, Utazi stressed, “If you are not at the center, you are failing. The only way to achieve Igbo presidency is by being part of the APC. I want to serve in the party because APC is the gateway to national prominence. We will encourage more members to join us and together, with party discipline, we will make significant strides.”

Welcoming the defectors into the APC fold, Eneukwu urged them to uphold party loyalty and warned against engaging in activities contrary to the party’s interests, emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated.