Emma Igwe, spokesperson for Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, has dismissed reports suggesting that he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as misleading political speculation.
Igwe made the clarification in a statement in response to a publication by National Panel News titled, “2027: Odii’s Spokesman Storms APC Stakeholders’ Meeting, Fuels Defection Rumours in Ebonyi.”
He explained that his presence at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, was purely incidental and had nothing to do with any political meeting or planned defection.
According to him, former members of the Ebonyi State Executive Council who served under former Governor and current Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, had earlier received an invitation to a town hall meeting with the former governor scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the venue.
Igwe said he deliberately ignored the invitation because he anticipated that his presence could be misinterpreted politically, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He, however, disclosed that he later visited the Ecumenical Centre to attend to a personal matter involving Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, who had informed him that he was at the venue.
Igwe explained that upon arrival, he exchanged pleasantries with several prominent personalities, including former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu; Senator Julius Ali Ucha; Hon. Innocent Ugo Chima; leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), traditional rulers and other notable indigenes of the state.
He added that the Master of Ceremonies repeatedly announced his name during the gathering, attracting attention to his presence, but said he eventually left the hall before the commencement of the event.
Reacting to the speculation surrounding his visit, Igwe categorically declared that he was not considering joining the APC, either immediately or in the near future.
“Let me state categorically that I am not contemplating defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), not even in the nearest future. I remain firmly committed to the political aspiration of Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, and the vision of the movement I proudly represent,” he stated.
He also criticised what he described as attempts to turn ordinary social interactions into political controversies, arguing that political differences should not destroy friendships and relationships among Ebonyi people.
Igwe further disclosed that more than 3,000 people had indicated interest in joining the Anyichuks movement, describing the development as an encouraging sign of growing support for Odii’s political aspiration.
He said the movement remained open to Ebonyi residents who shared its commitment to competent leadership, economic transformation, inclusiveness and the development of the state.
The Anyichuks spokesperson urged political commentators to focus on substantive issues affecting Ebonyi State rather than creating controversies from ordinary encounters and exchanges of pleasantries.
He maintained that the 2027 governorship election should be centred on ideas, competence, capacity and development rather than political bitterness, intimidation or manufactured controversies.
Igwe concluded by reaffirming that his political position remained unchanged, insisting that he continued to serve as spokesperson for Anyichuks and remained committed to Odii’s political ambition.
He called for issue-based politics, declaring that “Ebonyi deserves issue-based politics, not political witch-hunting.”
