By Promise Egwu

One of the most patriotic and undoubtedly resolute and tireless fighter for the Igbo nation, Mazi Obi Okoli, yesterday at a Press conference dumped the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Mazi Obi made it clear that he will throw his weight behind the aspiration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the PDP Governorship Candidate for Imo State in the 2019 general election.

Reacting to the news, a Youth leader in Imo State who did not want to be named said it’s a welcome development as many youths’ respect and trust that Mazi will never do anything that will not be to the benefit of Ndi-Igbo and Ndi-Imo in particular.

Mazi Obi Okoli has been a member of APGA since its formation and has contributed immensely to the growth of the party; he is a highly respected Igbo leader in the UK, a resolute agitator for the rights of Ndi-Igbo and has been an ardent follower of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu.

Asked why he chose to leave APGA at this time? He said “APGA has been hijacked, kidnapped by agents of Daura whose plan is to kill and frustrate the efforts of Ndi-Igbo towards self-development” He called on all well-meaning Ndi-Igbo to liberate themselves from the shackles of the 21^st slavery and join forces to liberate Imo State as the State, according to him has become the scorn and mockery of other Nigerians.

Mazi Obi Okoli enjoined all Imo State indigenes to be vigilant and vote for a credible candidate that will govern Imo State sagaciously, respect and restore the hope and aspirations of all Imo sons and daughters.

He again asked Ndi-Imo to vote for a candidate that will safeguard their rights, privileges, create employment for the youths and develop Imo State; a candidate that will respect the rule of law, help reduce infant mortality rate, construct sustainable roads and help rekindle the lost hope all Imo indigenes.

Mazi Obi Okoli instructed all his supporters to collapse or move all his structures towards helping to deliver Chief Emeka Ihedioha as Governor of Imo State in 2019 election.

We called the State Chairman of APGA to get his reaction on the defection of such a patriotic Igbo son and APGA Stalwart from his party but he was not available for comments.

No doubt, the defection of Mazi Obi Okoli will create jitters in the corridors of Imo political scene. And, as the move towards elections 2019 gathers momentum, Nigerians look forward to more Imo sons and daughter following their conscience and begin to identify with their preferred candidates.