2027: Ebonyi PDP governorship candidate's spokesman dismisses defection rumours

Chief Emmanuel Igwe, the spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, has dismissed rumors of his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Igwe clarified that he had no intention of responding to such speculation, but felt compelled to set the record straight after a message was circulated in a WhatsApp group of former State Executive Council members.

The message invited them to a town hall meeting, but Igwe chose not to attend due to potential political interpretations of his presence at such an event, especially with the 2027 governorship election on the horizon.

According to a statement signed by Igwe, he had a personal matter to attend to with Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, which led him to the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki. Upon arrival, Igwe exchanged pleasantries with various political leaders, including former Deputy Governor Chigozie Ogbu, Senator Julius Ali Ucha, Hon. Innocent Ugo Chima, and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and TUC.

The Master of Ceremonies frequently announced his name, drawing attention to his presence at the gathering.

Igwe emphasized that his presence at the event was a simple act of exchanging pleasantries and did not reflect any political declaration or a change in his allegiance. He stated categorically that he remains committed to the political aspirations of PDP governorship candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii and the vision of the party he represents.

Igwe criticized those who turned ordinary social interactions into sensational headlines and urged them to focus on issues that genuinely matter to Ebonyians instead of reading political meanings into every handshake, greeting, or chance encounter.