The nation’s political landscape was redefined, yesterday, after Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State defected from the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, to the yet unregistered All Progressive Congress, APC.

The defection during a public rally at the Heroes Square, Owerri was witnessed by eight governors from opposition political parties.Okorocha’s defection was witnessed by governors from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo, Osun, Nasarawa and Borno states.

Flanked by his wife, Nkechi and the visiting governors, an elated Okorocha explained that the merger of some political parties was being engineered by those he called “a crop of seasoned, patriotic politicians who want to rescue the nation from the quagmire inflicted on it by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.”

Okorocha gave assurance that Ndigbo have embraced APC because of what he termed their sad experience in the hands of the PDP at the federal and state levels, pointing out that the party has been consigned to the dustbin of history in Imo State.

He advised Imo people to sustain their spirit of democracy and good governance through the rejection of the PDP and all that the party stands for in all future electoral exercises.

“I must commend all the governors that have chosen to come under the APC umbrella, especially as this is a sure way of ending bad administration in this God blessed country”, Okorocha said.

Lamenting the fate of the country in the last 12 years under different PDP federal administrations, Okorocha who derided the party as “people deceiving people”, said: “this ugly trend has pauperized Nigerians through poverty of vision and project implementation. Never again will Nigeria represent a nation in bondage.”

In his speech, Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, of Lagos State, commended Okorocha for his spirit of patriotism in joining the APC family, adding that the coalition marked the beginning of a veritable change for positive transformation and reformation in the country.

Fashola, Ajimobi laud Okorocha

Fashola said: “We in APC are committed to a change for the betterment of our dear nation and our people. The coming of APC is neither borne out of selfishness nor greed but a positive step to liberate our people from a state of hopelessness”.

Adding an element of humour into the event, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, announced that Okorocha had been conferred with the title of “Girigi of Oyo State”.

Ajimobi said: “Those who have accepted to join and identify with APC would enjoy everlasting divine blessing, while those still procrastinating on when and how to do so, would have their blessings deferred”.

He commended Governor Okorocha for “his landmark achievements that have ultimately brought smiles on the faces of Imo people,” stressing that Imo people should continue to support him.

Meanwhile, the state capital, Owerri virtually stood still yesterday as schools, markets and a good number of business centres were closed for most of the day on account of the defection.

Source: Vanguardngr.com

Different crop of thieves with a new set of names... What difference does it make?

To me, okorocha is a fulani man sent to deceive ibos. But most of the imolites will not be decieved

How exactly does one 'defect' to a political party that is unregistered? I think it is technically better to say that Okorocha has left APGA.

How many parties now?

What a new definition of a who.re

Smh. IMO state is becoming a disgrace to Igboland in my honest opinion. Smh. Its a shame that man allowed APC into that state. SMH. Anyway okorocha good luck with your ambition with APC.

Sentiment naim go kill igbo people.. I can almost taste how bitter they are from their comments.

It seems to be part of Okorocha's DNA to break the hearts of people he lured with his sunny laughter and sweet words.
Rochanomics is another chapter in the game of deceit and extreme selfishness. I believe Imo people need a good teacher in this subject matter to break all the codes and show them the real Rochas.

While haters hate, progress is being made.

How do you expect the APC to cater to Igbo needs, if it doesn't have any Igbo leaders?

The best thing for the Igbo people is to have strong representatives in BOTH major parties.

Rochas bu agafu ofeke ajuru aju, ogaghi eresi ndi Yoruba na ndi aboki ala Imo.
Used APGA & Ikemba's name to win an election, only to show his true colour of an akwuna.