MR Godwin Ezeemo, the National Leader of the Progressive People Alliance PPA, and two-time gubernatorial candidate of the party in Anambra State, recently gave a conditional nod to the wooing of Anambra PDP to join the Umbrella family.

Ezeemo made this known during a courtesy call on him at his Umuchu office in Aguata local government of the state, by PDP state leadership led by the PDP state chairman, Chief Ndubisi Nwobu on Wednesday.

Explaining later to the press why he made the defection, Ezeemo said that he had seen over the years that Nigerian electorate is still moved by big names instead of the political ideology of parties.

He said that he has also placed his consent to PDP conditional because he cannot fully go into PDP if his followers in PPA are not taken care of.

In his words, “We are only interested in big names here and not in the material that is vying for any post. I have tried for a long time to convince them that coming from a smaller party would even give me a better opportunity to work but they seem not to understand. I had to oblige them.”

Speaking on the issue of having to pass the hurdle of primaries in the course of pursuing his gubernatorial interest under PDP, Ezeemo said that he believes in party primaries and is not afraid of going through it.

“There must be primary elections in any party if we want the internal party democratic process to take its course so I embrace it.”

He, however, stated that his political interest is to ensure that the basics of civilization; constant power, water, good schools, good roads, good health care system, are made available to all and sundry.

“If people have all these, there are a lot of problems that will be sorted out immediately. I will treat the people with all form of respect and good care. These are what I will do differently, Ezeemo said.

He enjoined the PDP to understand and think along his line of thought that the black man needs to change his mindset and start thinking for the benefit of the whole.

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Earlier, the PDP state chairman, Mr Nwobu recounted what he called the outstanding qualities of Ezeemo which made PDP persistent in wooing him over the years.

He said that PDP provides Ezeemo with a better chance in his “genuine effort to improve his society through politics.”

He also promised that PDP will “love Ezeemo and ensure that he is given his pride of place” regardless of how long he has spent with them.

“In PDP, it is not how long you have spent with us but the capacity you wield as a party man or woman that counts and Ezeemo is a man of gargantuan capacity,” Nwobu stated.

Chief Tony Offiah, PDP Anambra State publicity secretary who revealed that he had been one of those who has been wooing Ezeemo over the years to join PDP.

He shared his elation at Ezeemo’s acceptance and promised that all PPA faithful who defect with Ezeemo will be taken good care of. He also revealed plans of PDP leadership to alert the National body and hold a more public gathering where the defection will be made public.

“PDP has resolved its internal differences and are ready to take back the reins of power across the country. This is why we are reaching out to all people of timber and calibre across the state and beyond to join us in building the new and more formidable PDP. Ezeemo is indeed a big catch,” he said.

Mr Okey Asolo Anambra PDP Deputy chairman and Mr Emeka Obi said that Ezeemo’s entrance into Anambra PDP is a big success and assured that the party will accord all due respects.

Dr CC Okeke former member of Federal House of representatives said that they had taken years to convince Ezeemo to join PDP having seen his genuine interest in amending the broken walls in Anambra.

He said that Ezeemo community development and wealth creation through his numerous companies employing over 5000 workers with his personal efforts speaks louder.

“If the opportunity is given to Ezeemo to govern Anambra am sure he would apply his entrepreneurial skills in place the state higher in all rounds. we are happy to have him in our party” he said

Mr Chris Chikwelu said that Ezeemo was a golden fish hid in the PPA and that now he has honoured over 4 years wooing to join PDP that his political aspiration has received a better nod

At his party, Chief Dan Igbokwubili, the PPA Anambra State chairman expressed his sadness at the departure of “a great iroko” from PPA. He, however, added, “if PDP will make Ezeemo’s interest to govern Anambra State a reality, then I am endorsing his defection.”

Igbokwubili claimed that he joined PPA because he believed in Ezeemo and wanted to support his gubernatorial agenda.

Mts Tina Onuzulike PPA woman leader said that Ezeemo was a good man and deserves support to achieve his political aspiration anywhere he feels fit therefore that the PPA is happy for his decision to join PDP for a greater result.

Others present during the meeting were the Anambra South PDP officials and Aguata PDP youths who came in their numbers to welcome Ezeemo

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