The President of the Nigerian Senate from 2000 to 2003 and former Secretary to the government of the federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, has announced his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All-Progressives Congress (APC).
The former PDP stalwart announced this at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township stadium in Abakaliki during the Grand Finale of the APC Local Government election Campaign on Saturday.
Anyim led a host of other personalities across other political parties including former State and National Assembly members, Former Governorship candidate of Labour Party, Edwin Nkwegu, Senator Obinna Ọgba, former national and state assembly candidates and thousands of their supporters to join the party.
Reacting to the news, the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, described the move as a huge blessing owing to Anyim’s wealth of experience. A statement released by the chief press secretary to the APC leader, Edwin Olofu, said Ganduje personally received the former senate president into the party.
“Today I’m elated to receive such an important personality to our party, I want to assure you on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Timubu that you are welcome to the largest political party in black and white Africa. Be rest assured that we will give you equal opportunity like old members of our party so that you can come to the table with your huge experience and followership,” the statement read.
Ganduje further insisted that the South-East geo-political zone cannot continue to be in the opposition, urging the region to join the mainstream politics.
Also reacting, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the move will spur development in the South East. Kalu made the observation in a statement released by his spokesman, Levinus Nwabughiogu.
“It is my pleasure to welcome my big brother, the former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, to our great party, the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision is indeed a step in the right direction for the future of the Southeast and our nation, Nigeria.
“With your experience and leadership, I believe that this step will inspire other leaders to join hands in unity for the growth and development of our nation. Welcome to APC, Distinguished Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim,” the statement read.
