Frontline political gladiator and former chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Adim Biase Local Government Area, Dr. Ofem Ajah, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with a large base of supporters and loyalists across Biase Local Government Area.
Addressing party leaders and supporters during the official defection and reception into the APC family, Dr Ofem said: “There is no more PDP in Adim Ward and Biase Local Government Area”.
“I was the only pillar left there, I was the only one who delivered the party at the elections If I was the one that won elections in my ward and am no longer a member, it means there is nobody left there”.
Speaking further on his decision to join the APC, the obviously elated Dr Ofem presented a roll call of his supporters numbering over 500 party men and women.
“I decided to move with over 500 members of PDP who are crossing with me to the APC.
“There is a saying that if you can’t beat them, you join them. Every party deserves numerical strength and capacity to win, this is what we bring to table. Those that am bringing, work with them and give them the necessary support.”
While welcoming the decampee and his followers, one of the leaders of APC in Adim, Elder (Pharm) Ajah I. Ajah commended them for the taking the bold step. He said: “With your coming, we are going to win more easily. Every party’s primary purpose is to win elections. Let us build the party not just in Biase, but in the State and National.
“Our first test would be Hon. Emil Inyang supplementary election for Akampa/Biase”, he concluded.
Another Leader and APC stalwart, Hon. Andy Echo described the move by Dr Ofem as timely, and that everyone has the same rights.
Ward Chairman of the APC, Mr Okon Egwu Ekpe who expressed happiness to have them in the party. He said that they will all be working together going forward.
Also in attendance was the chapter Women Leader, Dcns. Mrs. Glory I. Egong, who expressed joy that Dr Ofem Ajah who always gives her political fight during elections is now in the same party she belongs. She noted that by this, “The umbrella in Adim Biase is dilapidated”.
A party stalwart and Chairman of all Ward Chairmen, Mr Franklin Egbai said that “All rights and privileges will be fully accorded the new members, saying APC is a party that accommodates everyone.
Other stakeholders present include; Former Special Assistant to the immediate past Deputy Governor, Comr. Owai Obo, Omini Akpan (Ward Vice Chairman); Friday Ekpe Ewum (Ward Secretary); Mr Owai Obia Ogbada; Ofem Owai Ewum, among others.
Highpoint was presentation of party membership card and broom as symbol of the largest political party to lead defector by the Ward Chairman, Okon Egwu Ekpe.