By Vincent Ujumadu
SENATOR Annie Okonkwo, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Senate, has denied a newspaper report (not Vanguard) that he had concluded plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for purposes of contesting next year’s election, saying he remained a committed member of PDP.

In a statement issued in Awka Sunday by his senior legislative aid, Mr. Tony Chukwuelue, Senator Okonkwo said there was no justification for him to leave PDP for APGA, adding that the present leadership of PDP has provided great opportunities for members to co-exist and pursue their political ambition.

“This story is the handiwork of those who do not wish Senator Okonkwo well. The national chairman of PDP is doing a great job in the party by bringing everybody together under the huge umbrella of the party, as most politicians that left the party are coming back because of President Goodluck Jonathan and Okwsilieze Nwodo’s style of leadership,” the statement said.

According to Chukwuelue, there is no justification for Senator Okonkwo to leave PDP for APGA because the latter is a small party that has presence only in Anambra State.

Senator Okonkwo observed that the problem PDP had was the inability of its members to put its house in order, stressing that was the reason it lost the election in Anambra State.

He warned those peddling the rumour to desist from it, adding that the senator was a committed member of PDP who had no intention to leave PDP now or in the foreseeable future.

Vanguard recalls that many members of PDP in Anambra State have in recent time dumped the party for APGA, the latest being Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, who worked closely with Senator Okonkwo during the governorship election of February 6, 2010 and Senator Joy Emodi who is seeking re-election for Anambra North senatorial zone.

Some members of the State House of Assembly have also left PDP for APGA.