The crisis rocking the Imo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party worsened on Thursday with the defection of more chieftains from the party.
The Imo State PDP chairman, Charles Ugwu and 21 other chieftains formally resigned their positions and membership of the party.
Others include the immediate past deputy governor, Gerald Irona; former vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and one-time education commissioner, Jude Njoku.
The list also included fomer Rep member, Ikenga Eze; Ex-Chief of Staff, Imo Government House, Vin Udokwu; state youth leader, Anozie Udenwa; Ikeduru State Assembly candidate, Sonny-Unachukwu John; Isiala Mbano State Assembly candidate, Pius Omah; Ex-Commissioner, Sly Enwerem.
Ex commissioner, Nkiruka Ibekwe Esq; Martin Opara (Ikemba), Ann Njoku, Angus Okorie, Edward Uzoechila Ezeh; Owerri Zonal organising secretary, Ben Mere and Owerri zonal secretary, Macdonald Enwerem.
The rest are Chibuike Paschal Maduike, Ike Uche, Jonathan Onyeneke, former Aboh Mbaise LGA chairman, Gertrude Iroemeh; former Ezinihite LGA chairman, Chidi Ugochukwu; party auditor, Goddy Nwabekee.
Completing the list are Chisom Dominic, Nze Anselm Ikwu, Emeka Amajirionwu, Local Government Area party chairman Ngor Okpala, Patrick Okoro, Ralph Emeka Udeh and Okoronkwo Rex.
The defection of the PDP chieftains did not come as a surprise to many observers, because they are close political associates of former governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha who dumped the party on Tuesday.
BusinessDay reported that according to sources, Ihedioha and his loyalists may soon declare for the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Imo state.
