At the APC secretariat in Owerri, Okewulonu explained his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deep dissatisfaction with its decline. “You will recall that a few months ago, I resigned both as a member of the PDP and as a member of its Board of Trustees. My decision followed introspection, consultations, and the conviction that the party has lost the qualities that initially attracted me to it,” Okewulonu stated.
Reflecting on his break from active politics, he said it gave him time to critically assess Imo’s political dynamics. “The prolonged crises in opposition parties left me questioning whether I could continue as a passive member of an ineffective opposition. I felt compelled to contribute actively to improving the lives of my people,” he added.
Okewulonu also lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership and achievements, including infrastructure development and capacity-building initiatives. “Five years down the road, I am convinced that the 3R administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma has been delivering dividends of good governance to Imo State,” he remarked.
Governor Uzodimma welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a significant boost to the APC. “Genuine members of the political class who want Imo to progress are joining the winning party. The APC has transformed into the party that truly serves the interests of Imo citizens,” Uzodimma said.
Comparing the defectors to elite players in sports, Uzodimma added, “With Okewulonu and Nnaji, we now have the Ronaldos and Messis of Imo politics in our party.”
Chuma Nnaji, a former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, expressed confidence in the APC’s vision and leadership. “We didn’t come alone; we are joined by over 3,000 supporters who believe in us,” Nnaji said.
The defections are seen as a testament to APC’s growing influence in Imo State and its ability to attract high-profile political figures.
