According to Dr. Emana Ambrose Amawhe, the Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate in Cross River State’s 2023 election, her decision to defect to the APC was motivated by her desire to bring democracy to her grassroots and develop her constituency.
Dr. Emana told APC supporters and stakeholders at the party’s secretariat in Calabar on Saturday that her decision to join the APC represents a fresh start for her political goals.
The grand defection rally today marks a new beginning for politics, not just for me but also for more than 100 of my supporters who have chosen to switch from the PDP to the APC in all 18 of Cross River State’s local government districts. “The state’s entire political landscape is entering a new era,” she continued.
She emphasized further that Governor Bassey Otu’s development efforts are what have won her over to the party. She also praised the governor for his successful efforts to bring peace and security back to Akpabuyo Local Government Area and promised to work with him to further the development of Cross River State.Regarding her choice to leave the PDP for the APC, she stated, “The governor’s outstanding leadership style and commitment to the advancement of the state appeal to me.” When a leader performs very well, it is only natural to want to work together and support our state’s expansion and advancement. In order to successfully serve our people and create a brighter future for our town, I have decided to collaborate with our beloved governor. This is a way to properly serve the people, not just politics.
Emana said, “Political parties are open platforms where people choose to align with certain ideologies. Nobody forces anybody to join any political party. There is nobody holding a gun on somebody’s head to join the APC. People voluntarily and willingly join the APC. As for me and my supporters, we have collapsed our structure to partner with Governor Bassey Otu to deliver on his People’s First Mandate and also partner with the renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu to drive economic development for our people.”
Emana, a veteran broadcaster and businesswoman woman, defected alongside thousands of her supporters, including some state working executives of the PDP. She lauded the leadership of the APC for their warm reception and pledged to fully cooperate with the party leadership, upholding its principles to enhance victory for the 2027 general elections and beyond.
In his remarks, the state chairman of APC, Alphonsus Eba, tasked the defectors to be instrumental to the party’s success in future elections at all levels, saying, “We have chosen this day by the approval of the leader, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey to receive you all into the Party.”
Eba said, “I want to appreciate the due process you have followed. You have all gone through the ward level, and you have made your intent known. You have registered in your polling units and wards. Today, you all are bonafide members of our party.”
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