Senator Ogbuoji Claims Umahi Will Defect to APC Before May 29

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, has alleged that Governor David Umahi would defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on or before May 29.

Ogbuoji made the allegation on Tuesday in Enugu while addressing journalists on the outcome of the Ebonyi State governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Umahi, who was re-elected for a second term, had previously served as chairman of the PDP in Ebonyi State and as deputy governor before becoming governor in 2015.

Ogbuoji rejected the outcome of the election, describing the exercise as lacking credibility and alleging that voters were pressured during the process.

He also accused some members of the APC in the state of secretly working against the party’s interests, while denying claims that he had supported Umahi’s re-election.

According to Ogbuoji, some individuals who publicly presented themselves as supporters of change were working in the opposite direction and contributed to weakening the APC’s chances.

He further alleged that Umahi had been maintaining links with the APC and was preparing to leave the PDP.

“We have information that Governor David Umahi, who has acted as a mole in the PDP, has begun moves to leave the party and join the APC on or before May 29,” Ogbuoji alleged.

He also claimed that the votes that secured Umahi’s re-election were obtained through the manipulation of the electoral process.

However, Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, dismissed the allegation as false and described it as fresh propaganda from the APC following its defeat in the state.

“It is not true. It is another propaganda by the APC after being rejected by the people of the state,” Uzor said.

He added that Umahi was focused on delivering development to Ebonyi State rather than engaging in political calculations.

Ogbuoji, however, said he planned to challenge the outcome of the election at the tribunal and urged APC members in the state not to lose hope.

He said the party would continue to pursue all lawful means available to seek redress while supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace, progress and good governance in Ebonyi State.

The APC candidate also expressed sympathy with residents who were allegedly killed, injured, kidnapped or prevented from exercising their rights during the election.

He said the events surrounding the poll would ultimately be judged by history and maintained that his party would continue to seek what it considered a fair resolution of the electoral dispute.