IMO STATE OF NIGERIA
ABOH MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
PRESS RELEASE
- Executive Chairman Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe receives Engr. Bedewell Ehiriudu and more than 1,000 former ADC members into the APC in Uvuru Ward 1, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State.
~Assures new members of equal rights and zero discrimination.
~Immediately appoints former ADC ward leaders as Special Assistants.
The political landscape of Aboh Mbaise underwent a significant shift yesterday as the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, officially received a prominent chieftain, Engr. Bedewell Ehiriudu, alongside over 1,000 members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Uvuru Ward 1, into the All Progressives Congress (APC). The high-profile defection effectively marks the collapse of major opposition elements in Oke Ovoro and the wider Aboh Mbaise LGA.
The defectors were formally received at the Executive Chairman’s residence, in an event well attended by top government officials, APC leaders, and party faithful.
Addressing the gathering, Barr. Alaribe noted that the entrance of Engr. Bedewell Ehiriudu and his massive following into the APC signifies a total eclipse of the opposition in Aboh Mbaise. He warmly welcomed the newcomers, assuring them that the APC operates on a foundation of fairness and equity.
In his words: “There is no segregation or second-class citizenship within the APC. You will enjoy the same rights, privileges, and benefits as older members. I urge you all to deploy your wealth of experience toward driving the success and dominance of the All Progressives Congress in your wards and Aboh Mbaise in general.”
To immediately demonstrate this commitment to inclusivity, Barr. Alaribe announced the immediate appointment of former ADC Ward Chairmen, Hon. Obinna Njoku and Mr. Innocent Amuchie, as his Special Assistants.
Speaking at the event, the Member representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie, commended Engr. Ehiriudu and the people of Uvuru Ward 1 for making the right political choice. He described their former party, the ADC, as “sinking sand” that is fast fading into political oblivion.
Echoing these sentiments, the Local Government Party Secretary, Hon. Charles Agwulonu, who spoke on behalf of the APC LGA Chairman, Sir Tony Awusaku, described Engr. Ehiriudu as a “big fish” whose administrative and political weight would add immense value to the ruling party.
Expressing his gratitude, Engr. Bedewell Ehiriudu thanked the Executive Chairman for ensuring a seamless integration into the party. He revealed that his decision to cross over was inspired by the transformative leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the developmental strides of the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the grassroots impact of Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe.
Engr. Ehiriudu further noted that the unending leadership crisis within the ADC catalyzed their exit.
“The ADC is built on a faulty foundation, and the center can no longer hold. As progressives, we consulted widely and decided to collapse the entire ADC structure in Uvuru Ward 1. My supporters and I are fully committed to ensuring that the APC wins convincingly across all polling units and wards in Aboh Mbaise in the upcoming elections.”
The event was attended by several prominent political leaders and stakeholders, including Barr. Emma Njoku (Former Interim Management Committee Chairman), Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie (Member, Imo State House of Assembly representing Aboh Mbaise), Hon. Kingsley Umunnakwe (Deputy Leader, AMLC), Hon. Chinonye Nwaogu (Chief Whip, AMLC), Sir Tony Awusaku (APC LGA Chairman, represented by Hon. Charles Agwulonu), Chief Kelvin Anosike (Oke Osisi), members of the Local Government Working Committee, Ward Chairmen, party executives, and supporters, among others.
