Senator Abaribe Dumps PDP, Moves To APGA, Resigns as Senate Minority Leader; To Challenge Ikpeazu In 2023

By Charles Igbo

The run in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the past one week has continued unabated. And, if the Party does not move fast, it could become an empty drum in the months leading to the 2023 General Elections.

Joining the long list of those who have dumped the Party is Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. Abaribe on Friday, May 27, 2022, defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

On Thursday, May 26, 2022, this medium had reported that a high profile delegation from APGA, visited Abaribe to woo him to APGA. We had, also, said Abaribe was on his way to APGA.

On Friday, Abaribe confirmed our story when he dumped PDP for APGA.

His entrance to APGA has also put the Senatorial ambition of Governor okezie Ikpeazu in jeopardy. Both men are from the same Senatorial zone, and Abaribe’s camp has confirmed he will run again for the Senatorial seat.

Abaribe had wanted to run for the office of the Governor of the State. But the idea was not well- received by Ikpeazu.

Sensing that he could be disgraced at the Primaries, seeing that delegates are controlled by Governors, he withdrew from the race.

Ikpeazu’s entry into the Senatorial race, left Abaribe high and dry. He had no other choice, than to quit PDP.

His Aide, who confirmed his move to Niche newspaper in a telephone call said:  “It is true. The distinguished Senator has joined APGA. The impunity in the PDP can no longer be tolerated. The party is in a serious crisis now and the injury is self inflicted.

“He will recontest for the Abia South Senatorial seat. He is going back to the Senate to continue with his very effective representation of the people.”

In his letter of resignation from the PDP to his Ward Chairman, entitled:

“Resignation of my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,” the Senator wrote:

“I write to inform you of my decision to resign as a member of (the) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“This development is consequent upon the shameful display of illegality, impunity and undemocratic decision of the party and after due consultations with my constituents.”

In another  letter of resignation as a member of the PDP in the Senate and by implication, as  Senate Minority Leader,  addressed to the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, Abaribe said:

“This is to notify you and my dear colleagues in the Senate that I have formally resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party through my ward. This also means my resignation as (the) Minority Leader of the Senate.”

The letter, titled, “Notification of Resignation from the Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Senate” concluded: “I wish to thank you and my dear colleagues in the Leadership of the Senate for the warm camaraderie we enjoyed while I was Minority Leader.”

Abaribe was a former Deputy Governor of Abia State, under Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, before he went to the Senate after an acrimonious relationship with Kalu.

In the past few days, the PDP has lost a number of high profile members including, but not limited to:

Mr Peter Obi, Alhaji M. Shehu Shagari, Valentine Ozigbo, and more, under the watch of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman.