Oro PDP Members Defects To APC

BY COMFORT ESSANG

The symbolic handing over of the APC’s flag to Ekpo by Hon. Commissioner, Victor Antai

Hundreds of members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Oro Nation in Akwa lbom State has defected to the All Progress Congress (APC), noting that APC had shown very practical and encouraging stewardship developments and political inclusiveness.

This is even as Rt. Hon. Victor Antai, KJW, who received the defectors at the premises of Oron Local Government Area on June 18, 2024 described the mass defection as a journey from captivity to freedom.

Leading the defectors, Hon. Ekpenyong Ekpo, a former councilor for Oron Urban Ward 6, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Antai to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); saying that Antai representation at the NDDC has positively impacted developments in Oron and the entire Oro Nation.

A cross section of the defectors

Ekpo while also expressing his appreciation to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for his role in securing Antai’s position, noted that the gains recorded by Oro nation under the watch of Senator Akpabio as governor remains enbeatable.

He said he has no regrets in leaving the PDP Akwa Ibom chapter and pulling his people and supporters with him since according to him “PDP has fallen out of shape since Akpabio’s defection, don’t forget that he was the force behind all the successes recorded by the party until his departure.

“If you look carefully, you’ll see that DPD has become a shadow of itself even though it is in government in Akwa lbom, nothing new is happening, developments and infrastructure is at the level Akpabio left them.

“Politics is about service, in every political alignment, you see the finger of a leader, a true leader, and that is why we feel very happy that we have moved to where leaders with stewardship capacity, leaders who care for the people and understands their needs, are.  Akpabio made Hon. Antai possible, through him; the Oor nation is gradually feeling the impact of governance again. So we are proud to stand with Akpabio and look forward to supporting activities of APC in the state and in our area”, Ekpo said.

He highlighted the significant infrastructural improvements, particularly NDDC-funded street lighting projects, which he said was the key reasons for their defection.

“Today marks a new beginning as we join the APC, thanks to the transformative work in our communities under your leadership,” Ekpo said.

The formal reception saw Comrade Anthony Efretuei, Ward 6 Chairman, symbolically handing over the party’s emblem to Ekpo.

The ceremony was attended by community leaders and dignitaries, including Village Head of Udung-Esin, Chief Anwana  Akakatang  Esin, including  Youths representative,  Comrade Okon Effiong Atte who echoed praises of Antai’s contributions to the community.

Ekpo addressing the party members after the defection

Addressing the new members, Antai compared their defection to a journey from captivity to freedom. He announced upcoming road construction projects and ongoing infrastructure improvements, urging the community to remain steadfast and supportive.

“Massive road construction will soon begin in Oro Nation. We will continue to enhance our communities with your support and prayers,” Antai said.

The event which highlighted the significant influence of Antai in the region, underscores the political realignment in the Oro Nation.