The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed the defection of Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke of Anambra to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as inconsequential, accusing him of being disgruntled because he was not given APGA’s governorship ticket.

On Wednesday, Mr Okeke was formally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo at the State House, Abuja.

In a statement issued in Awka by Tex Okechukwu, APGA National Publicity Secretary, the party said the defection was long expected.

According to APGA, Mr Okeke had thought Governor Willie Obiano and the party would hand over the governorship ticket to him on a platter.

“When that didn’t happen, he started behaving abnormally, even to the point of insubordination and dereliction of duties,” it claimed.

APGA said the deputy governor left the party without formally notifying the party or Governor Willie Obiano, adding that the move was uncalled-for, ill-timed, and ill-advised.

According to the statement, the governor had always treated his deputy with respect, love, and consideration.

APGA called on party members to remain united and ensure victory in the November 6 governorship election.

It called on Mr Obiano not to be distracted by the defection of his deputy, which it claimed was a ploy to create disunity in his government.

“Let nobody be deceived, APC has no root anywhere in Anambra, and that is why all that they do is going about luring political deadwood with money and other lucres (sic),” said the party. “No matter the designs of the opposition and other subterranean forces, APGA is poised to win the forthcoming election and continue with the massive infrastructural development going on in the state.”

(NAN)