By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.

The Former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly and an All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) stalwart in Nnewi, RT Hon Chukwudi Orizu has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with his supporters.

The defection took place on Monday, April 6 at his residence where the local government and ward officers of the ADC received him into the political party.

While introducing the new member, the Chairman, ADC Congress Screening Committee in Anambra State, Barr Ben Chuks Nwosu described Prince Orizu as a big catch whose defection to the party would boost its popularity and growth in Nnewi North.

Addressing ADC party faithful, Prince Orizu disclosed reasons for his joining the party.

He said he decided to join the ADC for the purposes of change which he said is permanent.

“The only thing that is constant in life is change. There must be a change for one to grow. Again, I was the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly when Mr Peter Obi was the Governor of Anambra State. We had a cordial relationship.

“Even when he contested for presidency in 2023, I worked for him and I was accused of ant-party activities because I was then an APGA stalwart.

“Now, I don’t want to be accused of ant-party activities and that’s one of the major reasons I joined the ADC to enable me work with Mr Peter Obi. I’m not contesting for any elective position.

“I’m joining with my supporters and a good number of them are still coming to join. I promise to do my best to see to the growth of the party in Nnewi North and beyond, “Prince Orizu added.

The Nnewi North Local Government Area Chairman of the ADC, Prince Chijioke Ofodile who officially admitted Prince Orizu said they welcomed the defectors including Prince Chibuzor Orizu wholeheartedly into their new found political party with the promise to accord them their rights in the party.

Prince Orizu in response expressed gratitude to the ward and local government executive members of the party for their warm reception into the party.

Orizu was later issued with membership card of the party.

Some of the party stalwarts present were the governorship candidate of the party in 2025, Chief John Nwosu; one of the APGA aspirants for 2027 general election to represent Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency and Mr Kingsley Obiukwu.

Others are Dr Smart Okafor; women leader in Nnewi North, Mrs Chinwe Offor; hundreds of defectors, among others.