By Douglas Princemola
On July 30, 2024, Chief Wisdom Ekewuba, President General of the Owerrezurumee People’s Assembly (OPA), announced his departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Chief Ekewuba cited internal conflicts, impunity, and autocratic practices within the PDP as the primary reasons for his decision. He stated that these issues have significantly weakened the PDP’s functionality and credibility.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri, Ekewuba revealed that his move was influenced by Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who recently left the Labour Party for the APC. Senator Onyewuchi represents the Owerri Zone (Imo East Senatorial District).
“The people of Owerri Zone are excited to follow Senator Onyewuchi in joining the APC,” Ekewuba said. “We have long fought for equity, fairness, and justice in Imo State, and we believe the APC aligns with these values.”
Ekewuba expressed confidence in Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Shared Prosperity Administration and its commitment to the Charter of Equity, which aims to ensure fair distribution of political power and resources in Imo State. He noted that the governor has pledged to implement this charter for the benefit of the Owerri Zone by 2027/2028.
“The Owerrezurumee People’s Assembly is dedicated to advocating for the Imo Charter of Equity,” Ekewuba stated. “We believe that aligning with the APC is crucial for achieving our political goals, including securing the governorship for the Owerri Zone in 2027.”
Ekewuba stressed that achieving these objectives would be impossible from the opposition, including the PDP, Labour Party, or APGA. He expressed his pleasure in joining the APC, promising to support and contribute to the growth of Imo State under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership.
He urged the people of the Owerri Zone to remain peaceful and committed to the state’s political development. Ekewuba congratulated Governor Uzodimma on his Appeal Court Gubernatorial Victory and called on those pursuing cases in the Supreme Court to withdraw and support the governor in advancing Imo State.
Ekewuba, who contested for the Owerri West State Constituency seat in the Imo State House of Assembly as a PDP candidate in the 2023 general elections, encouraged the citizens of Imo State, particularly from the Owerri Zone, to support Uzodimma’s administration. He expressed optimism that the governor would uphold the Charter of Equity for the Owerri Zone by 2027.
