The crisis rocking the Imo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) worsened Thursday with the defection of more chieftains from the party.
The Imo State PDP chairman, Charles Ugwu and 21 other chieftains formally resigned their positions and membership of the party.
Others include Gerald Irona, the immediate past deputy governor; Jude Njokuformer vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and one-time education commissioner.
The list also included Ikenga Eze (ex Rep member), Vin Udokwu – Ex-Chief of Staff, Imo Government House, Anozie Udenwa – state youth leader, Sonny-Unachukwu John – Ikeduru State Assembly candidate, Pius Omah – Isiala Mbano State Assembly candidate, Sly Enwerem Ex-Commissioner,
Nkiruka Ibekwe Esq – ex commissioner, Martin Opara (Ikemba), Ann Njoku, Angus Okorie, Edward Uzoechila Ezeh, Ben Mere – Owerri Zonal organising secretary and Macdonald Enwerem – Owerri zonal secretary .
The rest are Chibuike Paschal Maduike, Ike Uche, Jonathan Onyeneke – former Aboh Mbaise LGA chairman, Gertrude Iroemeh – former Ezinihite LGA chairman, Chidi Ugochukwu, Goddy Nwabekee – party auditor.
Completing the list are Chisom Dominic, Nze Anselm Ikwu, Emeka Amajirionwu -LGA party chairman Ngor Okpala, Patrick Okoro, Ralph Emeka Udeh and Okoronkwo Rex.
The defection of the PDP chieftains did not come as a surprise to many observers, because they are close political associates of former governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha who dumped the party on Tuesday.
Sources say Ihedioha and his loyalists may soon declare for the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election in Imo State.
