Governor Francis Nwifuru has welcomed his estranged ally and former colleague in the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Obasi Odefa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Odefa was the deputy speaker of the parliament when Mr Nwifiru was the speaker on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The relationship between the duo became sour in 2020 when Mr Nwifuru defected to the APC alongside most members of the parliament after then-Governor David Umahi left PDP for the APC.

Mr Odefa was at the forefront of agitation to declare the defectors’ seats vacant to pave the way for him to be the new speaker.

Mr Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Monday Uzor, on Thursday, commended Mr Odefa for joining the APC.

“The door of the APC is wide open to welcome all well-intentioned individuals to the party. We assure defectors of level-playing ground in the APC and urge them to collaborate with us in developing the state,” the statement said.

Mr Odefa, who defected to APC with about 500 supporters, said, “I have studied his good intentions as captured in the People’s Charter of Needs mantra and want to identify with it,” he said in the statement.

Meanwhile, the APC in Ebonyi has welcomed Mr Odefa to the party, describing the development as significant.

The party, in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Simbad Ogbuatu, said, “Odefa has chosen to align his vision and aspirations with ours, and such is a testament to the qualitative leadership style of our governor. The state has witnessed remarkable transformation and progress under Nwifuru with this defection, indicating that the APC embodies principles of effective governance.”

The party urged the new members to fully support it and the state government while assuring them of collaboration in achieving prosperity and equitable governance for Ebonyi.

“Let us remember as we embark on this new chapter, that our strength lies in our unity. Let us embrace diversity, foster inclusivity, uphold the principles of fairness and justice to overcome the developmental challenges confronting the state,” the party stated.

Mr Odefa is the elder brother of the current PDP national vice-chairman, South-East zone, Ali Odefa.

(NAN)