No fewer than twenty thousand chieftains of Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) comprising State, Chapter, Ward Executive and stalwart of the party have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and declared their support for the second term bid of the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Speaking at the Ibom Hall Grounds, the Chairman forum of APC Chapter Chairmen, Hon. Joseph Ama said that their decision was borne out of the need to identify with the truth which PDP is known for having been appalled by the spate of impunity exhibited in the APC since the defection of Senator Godswill Akpabio to the party .

The Chapter Chairman of APC in Itu Local government area, Hon. Sunday Okon Uyire, said that it was practically impossible for him and his Executive members to remain in the same party with those who in 2011, plotted to kill them.

He stated that the memories were still fresh and that the spirit of those who died in that incident will not forgive them if they compromise with the architects and perpetrators of that heinous crimes .

Hon. Uyire assured of the preparedness of the decampees to work for the success of PDP in the forthcoming general elections.

The defected APC Chapter Chairmen submitted a booklet containing their names and addresses to the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Obong Paul Ekpo, who thereafter received them into the party and assured them of equal rights and privileges with the existing members.

In his speech, Governor Udom Emmanuel expressed delight at their decision to join the party, noting that their action could only be motivated by deep seated conviction that cannot be bought.

He commended them for taking the bold step to salvage the state, assuring that his administration is determine to create value for every Akwa Ibom citizen.

The Governor said he would not join issues with his detractors, explaining that there was no basis for such and challenged anyone who wants to join issues with him to a debate that will be based on fact, not emotional outbursts.

The multitude of defectors dropped different insignia of their old political party and burnt them at the venue and accepted to come under the coverage of the umbrella.