C'River: Former Council Chairman, Ayuwa, Leads Hundreds of NDC Members into APC in Obubra

C'River: Former Council Chairman, Ayuwa, Leads Hundreds of NDC Members into APC in Obubra

Hundreds of members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State on Friday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The mass defection, which was led by a former Chairman of Council, Hon. Nicholas Ayuwa, took place at the Franco Teddy Hotel Hall, Daily Market, Obubra, during an interactive engagement between the APC State Executive Committee and critical stakeholders of the local government area.

Receiving the new members, the Chapter Chairman of the APC Obubra chapter, High Chief Lucky Okpechi, alongside the Executive Chairman of Obubra Local Government Council, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, and other party stakeholders, commended Ayuwa and his supporters for their decision to join the APC.

Okpechi described the development as a major boost to the party's fortunes ahead of forthcoming elections, noting that Ochon Ward, where Ayuwa and many of his supporters hail from, has traditionally been considered a stronghold of the opposition.

He said the decision by Ayuwa and his supporters to join the APC demonstrated growing confidence in the party and in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

The chapter chairman assured the new members that they would be given equal opportunities to participate in the affairs of the party and contribute meaningfully to its growth at the grassroots.

Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, said the engagement, which was organised to interact with party stakeholders and deliberate on the progress, unity and future of the APC in Obubra and Cross River State, surprisingly turned out to include a defection by such a large number of defectors. Welcoming Hon. Ayuwa and his supporters into the APC, Hon. Etta described the former chairman as a friend and brother whose defection is a significant addition to the party, noting that his political capacity, experience and grassroots influence would benefit the APC in ways that would become increasingly evident.

Other speakers at the event included the leader of the APC in Obubra, Chief Alex Irek, party candidates and other stakeholders, who welcomed Ayuwa and the new members into the party and urged them to work with existing members toward strengthening the APC at the grassroots.

Speaking on his decision to join the APC, Hon. Nicholas Ayuwa expressed appreciation to the party leadership for the warm reception and for providing a platform for political participation and inclusion.

Ayuwa said his decision was based on his conviction that the APC provides a stronger platform for advancing the interests of his people and contributing meaningfully to the development of Obubra.

He pledged his commitment to the party and urged his supporters to remain united, loyal and committed to the ideals of the APC.

He also called on the new members to work harmoniously with existing party members to strengthen the party's structure and advance its interests across Obubra Local Government Area.

The event was attended by party leaders, candidates, stakeholders, supporters and other members of the APC, in what political observers described as a significant development in the political landscape of Obubra ahead of future elections.