By Peter Okutu
ABAKALIKI—No fewer than 173,000 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members in Ebonyi State  yesterday defected to Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in their pursuit for better representation in the next general election.

Vanguard gathered that the decampees who were drawn from various Wards and Local Government Areas of the State, were members of Adol-Awam-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party that had always clamoured for change as an inevitable apparatus that will bring a new panorama of progressive governance, true democracy and effective representation.

The leader of the group and pioneer member of PDP in the State, Dr. Sunday Adol-Awam ,stated that Action Congress of Nigeria was a better platform that would guarantee self-actualization for the people of the state, adding that the reason for their mass decampment was inherent in the fact that ACN had a good ideological policy and sustained determination to offer Nigerians good governance through responsible leadership and provision of basic amenities.

He said: “ My group and I have chosen Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, as the platform that could guarantee self-actualization for our people.

“We believe in the policy of one man, one vote, because Ebonyi people must determine who govern them.  ACN is the only option left for Ebonyi people to enjoy the wind of progressive governance.

“Because Nigerians are sick and tired of PDP, ACN presents the best alternative platform with clearly defined strategies for the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Ebonyi cannot be left out of this mass movement.”

“We refuse to be confined to poverty, marginalization, and oppression by big men without good conscience or feeling for the suffering masses.”

Dr. Adolawam, who pointed out that the 2011 general election was going to be an eye opener in Ebonyi State as his new party will produce the next governor of the state, noted that ACN was ready to welcome intending members and true democrats who want the best for Ebonyi State.

“ACN will produce the next governor in 2011; we are prepared to make things happen so that our people can breathe in some fresh air of good governance and regain their voice against the oppressive and punitive regime now pulling the state back.

“We shall sweep the oppressive PDP government away from Government House, Abakaliki and elect patriotic legislators to speak for Ebonyi people without fear or favour

“We shall welcome every genuine democrat who wants the best for Ebonyi State. We assure intending members to the party that we shall not discriminate or exclude anybody. Our watch word remains internal democracy in the way party affairs are run,” he emphasized.