By Peter Okutu
No fewer than 75,000 Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, members in Ebonyi state have pulled out from the party to pitch tenth with the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in next year’s general election.

The former PPA members who decamped from the 20 wards that made up Ikwo Local government Area of the state were reported to have lost confidence in the leadership of PPA and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, across the country.

Gov. Elechi of Ebonyi State (left) with President Jonathan at a recent event.

In unanimous voice, the decampees criticized the government of Elechi for not providing basic amenities, like water, electricity, and access roads since its inception in office, adding that the closure of Ebonyi State University, EBSU and the less active condition of Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital, EBSUTH were clear testimonies that PDP has failed in Ebonyi.

Welcoming the new members into the fold of APGA Tuesday at Ohatekwe-Amagu Community in Ikwo local government area of the state, the Assistant National Secretary of the Party, James Alaka who described PDP as a sinking ship owing to the absence of internal democracy within the Party, enjoined the new members to come out massively next month and get their voter cards so that, with it they can vote APGA in and PDP out.

He said: “About 75,000 persons, former members of PPA have now moved to APGA. I’ve just accepted them. They are from the 20 wards that make up Ikwo LGA of the state. Nobody compelled them. They simply moved because of the candidacy of the APGA’s gubernatorial aspirant, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu who has an impressive antecedent and records of meritorious service to humanity. He was the former Chairman of Ikwo LGA, former Ambassador to Greece and Minister of Culture and Tourism. They saw him as the only person that would deliver democracy dividend to them. They also say that they were attracted to the internal democracy of APGA.

“PDP do not have any ward in Ikwo at all. Watch out what will happen in next year’s general election. APGA has internal democracy. In the party members are given the privilege to say what they want to say. They don’t impose candidates on the people. They allow the people to elect who they want to go for them. And that is the reason people are happy. The party allows people at the grassroots to make their choice.” He added.