Political Earthquake: Former PDP Chieftain Barrister Timothy Odah Dumps Party, Joins APC in Ebonyi

In a significant political move that strengthens the ruling party’s hold in Ebonyi State, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and ex-Commissioner, Barrister Timothy Odah, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection, announced at the APC Secretariat in Abakaliki on Monday, marks another high-profile gain for the ruling party, further consolidating the state’s political landscape under the current administration.

Why the Defection? Focus on Unity and Development

Barrister Odah, who previously held key positions within the PDP, including State Financial Secretary and Legal Adviser, stated that his decision to join the Ebonyi APC was driven by a renewed commitment to state development and unity.

He expressed profound appreciation for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s leadership style, commending him for fostering an inclusive political atmosphere where diverse political actors feel welcome.

“His Excellency has created an atmosphere where every political actor feels welcome,” Odah said. “This inclusive approach has made political reunification in Ebonyi State both possible and meaningful.”

Odah stressed that the focus should be on dialogue and collective reasoning rather than political hostility, arguing that genuine development requires cooperation. He even described the PDP and APC in Ebonyi as “one political family with shared history and common faces.”

Attracting Infrastructure: The Return to Active Politics

Odah clarified that his recent absence from partisan politics was deliberate, meant to allow younger politicians space to grow. However, he lamented the lack of essential infrastructure in his community, Ukawu, including the absence of electricity and motorable roads.

His return to active politics is directly linked to his hope of attracting these much-needed amenities: “If my coming back to the party will bring my people these amenities, let it be,” he stated, underlining a commitment to grassroots impact.

APC Chairman Welcomes High-Profile Defector

State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, formally welcomed the former chieftain, praising Governor Nwifuru for creating the environment that facilitates such political alignment.

Emegha echoed Odah’s call for peace and dialogue, reiterating that the Ebonyi APC is committed to collective problem-solving to drive the state’s progress.

This high-profile defection is seen as a significant boost for the APC, signaling a push toward a more politically unified state focused on development rather than division.