The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State, has refuted media reports alleging that over seven thousand of its members and supporters have defected to the Labour Party, LP, describing the claims as exaggerated and politically insignificant.
The party insisted that the claim does not reflect the party’s actual position in the state.
The reaction followed reports that a former National Executive Committee member of the party, Nduka Anyanwu, announced that more than 7,000 supporters had moved with him to the Labour Party in the State.
Anyanwu, according to our correspondent, made the disclosure during a visit by members of the Labour Party’s State Executive Committee, SEC, led by its State chairman, Peter Azubuike at his residence in Umuahia.
Responding to the development, the Abia APC, through its Spokesperson, Uche Aguoru, in a press statement made available to Journalists, described the reported figure as inaccurate and maintained that Anyanwu’s departure would not weaken the party’s political prospects.
He asserted that the defection of the former party official would not affect its preparations or future electoral ambitions.
The APC leadership in the State further criticised Anyanwu’s previous role within the party and questioned his political influence in the state.
Aguoru, in the press statement, accused the former party official of allegedly being associated with actions that undermined the party’s performance during previous election cycles.
He also alleged that Anyanwu worked against the party’s interests during previous political contests in the state.
The APC Spokesperson claimed that Anyanwu’s political activities have contributed to challenges faced by the party during earlier attempts to strengthen its electoral position.
“While serving as a member of the APC’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, Anyanwu supported political interests outside the party structure.
“Anyanwu had gradually withdrawn from active participation in APC meetings and internal activities before the reported defection. So the claims regarding the number of supporters who defected along with him are highly questionable,” the press statement added.
Despite the development, the APC leadership reiterated that it remained focused on rebuilding and expanding its political support ahead of future elections.
The party maintained that it remains committed to securing stronger electoral outcomes across the state.
It also used the medium to encourage supporters to remain focused on party organisation and future political engagement rather than being distracted by speculations surrounding the defection.
“Abia APC remains confident in its structure and believes the reported defection will not significantly affect its future electoral plans,” the release stated.
