Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Ebonyi State, has dismissed the threat posed by coalition of opposition parties in the state. He declared that the APC remains firm and not intimidated by opposition coalition. He stated that the APC is ever strong and ready for the 2027 election.
Okoro-Emegha attributed the APC’s growing dominance in Ebonyi to the performance and popularity of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“We are not afraid of any coalition of political parties in Ebonyi. Our people don’t vote for parties; they vote for individuals. Governor Nwifuru has done well enough to earn a second term based on his achievements,” he stated.
Okoro-Emegha also disclosed that the party will soon welcome another House of Representatives member from the opposition into its fold, following the recent defection of Hon. Joseph Nwobashi, who represents Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the APC.
He further revealed that discussions are ongoing with other federal lawmakers in Ebonyi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), to defect to the APC.
“In a few weeks, it might not even take up to two weeks, another House of Reps member will join the APC here in Ebonyi. That’s how prepared we are for 2027,” he said.
Currently, Hon. Iduma Igariwey (Afikpo/Edda) and Hon. Nkemkanma Kama (Ohaozara, Onicha, Ivo) remain the only federal lawmakers from Ebonyi still with PDP and LP respectively. However, Chief Okoro-Emegha is optimistic that they may soon cross-carpet to the APC.
He also said three members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly elected on the platforms of LP, PDP and APGA have already defected to the APC. According to him, this reinforces the party’s growing strength across Ebonyi.
“One more opposition House of Assembly member is still left, and he is already working closely with us. Something is just holding him down for now,” he said.
Chief Okoro-Emegha praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts at national transformation. He said the President is collaborating with state governors to reposition Nigeria.
“President Tinubu is fixing problems that have existed for decades. With the support of state governors, including our own, Nigeria is on the path to greatness,” he said.