Ambassador Obinna Ukor, a prominent member of the Obedient Movement in the Southeast States, has made a significant political move by defecting from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State. His decision to join the APC was influenced by his admiration for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s leadership qualities, which transcend political party boundaries.
The formal defection ceremony took place on Friday night at the APC’s state headquarters in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi capital. Ambassador Ukor expressed his conviction in Governor Nwifuru’s ability to lead the state effectively, citing the prevailing peace and progress witnessed under his administration.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in my political journey. I was once a member of the Labour Party and a key figure in the Obedient Movement. However, Governor Nwifuru’s exemplary leadership has compelled me to switch allegiance to the APC. Ebonyi State is experiencing unprecedented peace and development, and I urge my colleagues in the Diaspora to join us in building our state,” Ambassador Ukor remarked.
Fred Ukor, Ambassador Ukor’s cousin, also joined the APC, commending Governor Nwifuru’s youth empowerment programs, which have significantly improved the lives of street hawkers and menial workers in Ebonyi State.
“We returned to Nigeria and initially joined the Labour Party, but we soon realized that it was not delivering on its promises. Governor Nwifuru’s initiatives, particularly in youth empowerment and support for street hawkers, have transformed our state. We are here to support him in his quest to further develop Ebonyi,” Fred Ukor stated.
In his response, the state chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, lauded Ambassador Ukor and Fred Ukor for their active participation in the 2023 general elections, which contributed to the emergence of a Southeast Presidential candidate of Igbo extraction.
“Your efforts during the Obedient Movement were commendable. While we knew that achieving our goal was challenging due to our historical disunity, Governor Nwifuru has provided a new direction for Ebonyi State. I urge you to rally behind him and contribute your quota to the state’s transformation,” Chief Emegha remarked.
He encouraged the new APC members to leverage their strengths from the Obedient Movement to support Governor Nwifuru’s administration fully.
Daily Post