27 Lawmakers: Tony Okocha, I Went To Them Individually And Collectively But They Refused To Join APC

Claims that 27 PDP lawmakers defected to the APC have been refuted by Tony Okocha, the chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State. In a widely shared video on NEWS CENTRAL TV’s official X account on Thursday, Okocha disclosed that he had both individual and group meetings with the MPs, but they declined to join the APC.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

Okocha emphasized that for anyone to be a member of an organization, they must register with that organization. He stated, “I went to them individually and collectively, and they refused to join our party. You have to be a registered member of an organisation for you to be a member of that organisation. They are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, they didn’t cross over”.

This development comes amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Rivers State House of Assembly, with Governor Siminialayi Fubara presenting the 2025 budget to a faction of the Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, rather than the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly.

The APC chairman’s statement has shed light on the true position of the 27 PDP lawmakers, who have been at the center of speculation regarding their alleged defection to the APC. With this clarification, it appears that the lawmakers remain committed to the PDP.

Okocha’s revelation has also sparked reactions from various stakeholders in the state, with some praising his transparency and others questioning the motives behind his statement.

The Rivers State chapter of the PDP has welcomed Okocha’s clarification, stating that it vindicates their position that the lawmakers never defected to the APC. The party’s spokesperson, Tambari Sydney Gbara, said, “We have always maintained that our lawmakers are committed to the PDP and have no intention of defecting to the APC. Tony Okocha’s statement has confirmed our position, and we commend him for his transparency”.

On the other hand, some APC supporters have expressed disappointment with Okocha’s statement, arguing that it undermines the party’s efforts to attract new members. An APC chieftain, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “We were expecting Tony Okocha to confirm the defection of the 27 PDP lawmakers, but instead, he denied it. This is a setback for our party, and we hope that our leaders will learn from this experience”.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>