Two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in Ebonyi State, Jimoh Abu and Anthony Awaza, have denied reports that they defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging they were forced to announce their defection under threats.
The men made their position known during a press conference in Abakaliki on Thursday, insisting they remain PDP members and supporters of the party’s governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.
PDP Chieftains Allege Forced Defection
Abu alleged that state government officials, accompanied by members of the state vigilante group, took him to Jimoh Guest House in the Hausa Quarters of Abakaliki.
He claimed the group abducted lodgers, staff and other customers at the guest house and pressured him to declare that he had left the PDP for the APC.
Despite what he described as threats from the government, Abu insisted he had not changed his political allegiance.
He said he continued to support Odii because he believed the PDP candidate was prepared to improve development in Ebonyi State.
Awaza Claims He Was Forced at Gunpoint
Awaza also denied joining the APC, alleging that he was forced at gunpoint to make the declaration.
He said he remained loyal to Odii, whom he credited with helping him during a period of serious health challenges.
According to Awaza, Odii sent him ₦3 million to cover medical expenses at Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu.
He also said Odii had supported him in other ways, including providing the house in which he currently lives.
Awaza maintained that these experiences reinforced his loyalty to the PDP and its governorship candidate.
The allegations made by both men could not be independently verified from the information available in the report. The state government’s response was also not included.