Former governor of Old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, yesterday, dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for his former political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nwobodo, who defected to the APC in the wake of the massive defection across the country, said he has rejoined the PDP “because I cannot stay away from my people, Ndigbo”
The former governor, who was conspicuously absent as the APC flagged off its presidential election campaign in Enugu State on Thursday, announced his return during a visit by key leaders of the PDP in the Southeast to his Amaechi country home in Enugu.
On the entourage were Chief Ben Obi, Chief S.N. Okeke, Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu, Chief Oseloka Obaze, Chief Dubem Onyia and Secretary to the Abia State Government, Eme Okoro, among others.
Okeke, who delivered the mission of the group, had asked Nwobodo to return to the PDP, a party he co-founded in 1998.
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Responding to their request, Nwobodo said he was “stepping aside” from the APC, chronicling various issues plaguing the country, adding: “As a member of the APC and a democrat, I got visibly worried when I heard party members boasting that we have won the election and just waiting for results to be announced. My question was how? How was the election won when the elections are yet to take place?”
He stated that he had joined the APC to inspire new hope and values for the younger generation of leaders in the country, but had been disappointed the way things are being done.
“Is that how we intend to groom and mentor the ‘not too young to run’ and prepare them to take over the mantle of leadership?” he asked rhetorically.
Nwobodo said he had hoped that the Igbo presidency project would be realised in APC, but was disappointed with the kind of comments emanating from leaders of the party, saying he couldn’t have stayed away from a political party (PDP) that had offered vice presidential ticket to an Igbo son.
He said prominent political leaders from the Southeast had earlier met him in Abuja few days ago over the same issue, noting: “It is difficult for me to ignore their call and I cannot do that. Where will I go if I am not with you? I am back to PDP.
“I am a democrat, I believe in democracy. Those around Mr. President should tell him the truth,” he declared, questioning some of the activities of the APC members.
