Ex-Senate president, Pius Anyim, dumps PDP for APC

Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, alongside former gubernatorial candidates of opposition parties in Ebonyi on Saturday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Anyim, formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC with some of his supporters during the grand finale of the APC campaign for the Local Government Area (LGA) elections in Abakaliki.

Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), defected alongside a former Senator and PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Sen. Obinna Ogba and that of the Labour Party, Chief Edward Nkwegu.

Also some former members of the National and State Assemblies as well as former  Local Government Area Chairmen among others, all from the opposition also defected to the APC.

Anyim, in his remarks, said that Ebonyi had always been a one political family and the massive defection of opposition members to the party, attested to such fact.

The former Senate President said his intention  to join the APC had been hatched for long as remarked by former Gov David Umahi.

“The time I wanted this to happen, Umahi was not ready and the time, he wanted it, it didn’t turn out the way we wanted.

“We however, thank God that it has worked smoothly as we all are presently under the same roof,” he said.

The former SGF said that the defection was not just about him but Ebonyi people as consultations were widely made before a final resolution was taken.

Reacting, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of APC described the defection of Sen Pius Anyim to the APC, as “a huge blessing”.

Ganduje’s excitement was captured in a statement by Mr Edwin Olofu, his Chief Press Secretary.

The statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, quoted Ganduje as saying that Anyim’s wealth of experience would be beneficial to the APC.