ADC reps candidate dumps party, joins APC

Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency's African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate, Ambassador Ephraim Iyke Nwonu, has abandoned his party to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). On Saturday, Nwonu made headlines by announcing his defection in Abuja, citing his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Despite his name still appearing on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal as the ADC candidate, Nwonu expressed his decision to relinquish his candidacy for the greater good. He emphasized his long-standing connection with Tinubu, dating back to 1992, and highlighted the significant federal road and bridge projects undertaken by Tinubu's administration in Ebonyi State.

These projects, including the Ndibe Beach Bridge, Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Expressway dualisation, and the Peat Junction flyover, have garnered Nwonu's admiration. Additionally, Nwonu defended the state's record of receiving 23 federal appointments under Tinubu's leadership, asserting it as the highest number received by any state from a federal administration.

When asked about the 2027 election, Nwonu dismissed concerns about opposition figures, such as Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), in the Southeast, suggesting that they do not pose a significant challenge.