Emeka Ojukwu, the son the late former Biafran secessionist leader, Chukwumeka Ojukwu, has joined the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He made this known after being formally accepted by APC national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr Ojukwu said his decision to join the party is to ensure his geo-political zone, the south-east occupy its rightful place in the national governance.
“I decided to lead by example. I have been talking about this for a while and I decided it was time to take the step forward.
“It is a challenge, there are some people that will not be happy about that, but you have to be bold, take a step, and let people understand where you are coming from.
Mr Ojukwu added that his defection to the APC was a pointer that Igbos were part of the party.
“That is the message I want to help to propagate, this is a much bigger party than the one I came from. So, I put myself at your service to help us achieve our dreams.
Mr Odigie-Oyegun, while receiving Ojukwu, said his entry to the party would be a major asset in its ongoing drive to mainstream the South-East into national governance and political decision-making process.
“I thank you for choosing the APC, a family that is practical in its political orientation.”
He said despite losing the recent Anambra governorship election, the APC`s performance clearly showed that progress was being made in terms of its appeal and inroads in the South-East.
According to him, the APC has made a lot of gains in spite of not winning the just Anambra election.
He said the party was not resting on this, adding that it had set up a team to study the elections and resolve all challenges that obstructed its victory.
“I truly welcome you, there is no question at all that your name is an asset, what you stand for is an asset.
“We hope that in the next few months you will be much more closely integrated within the party structure at national level and in the South-East,” he said.
Mr Odigie-Oyegun added that for people to join the APC at this time, was a clear indication that they understood what was going.
He further added that it also showed that people were ready to put their names, reputation, energies and resources behind the party`s effort to rebuild the country and be part of the process of change.
“This is a struggle that we must win, the nation cannot afford to lose, because greatness beckons and unless we get our act right, we are not going to get there,” the APC national chairman said.
NAN
