The immediate past deputy speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Uchendu, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Uchendu, who hails from Isiama Ward, served in the 7th Abia Assembly and represented the Ohafia South State Constituency. Notably, he held the position of chairman of media and publicity and acted as spokesman of the House of Assembly.
Having initially joined the PDP from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on May 24, 2017, Uchendu has now made the decision to switch to the APC.
Speaking at the PDP party secretariat on Finbars Road in Umuahia after his return from APGA, he cited the crisis within APGA’s national leadership as a primary reason for his departure from the party.
In an exclusive telephone interview with our correspondent, Uchendu explained the rationale behind his move to the APC, stating, “I became a member of the Abia State House of Assembly on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2015. I was doing well for our people, which is the most important thing.”
He emphasized his desire to reconnect his constituents with the mainstream of Abia politics, which led to his decision to join the PDP. However, now he sees the need to contribute to national politics and believes the APC offers the platform to do so effectively.
Addressing criticisms about his switch, Uchendu asserted, “Yes, I became the Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly due to my performances and experience and other factors. If I didn’t do well in my position, it would have been a curse to the PDP but I performed creditably well.”
Furthermore, he highlighted the mutual benefits of his tenure in the PDP, stating, “I promoted the party through my performance and activities.”
When questioned about his choice of the APC over the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the state and what his presence would contribute to the new party, Uchendu emphasized the national reach of the APC and his aspiration to engage in national politics. He expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to provide opportunities for political growth at both the grassroots and national levels.
