5 Reasons Why Anambra Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke Defected to APC
- It is no longer news that Dr. Nkem Okeke, the deputy governor of Anambra state has moved to the APC
- Dr. Okeke, a former commissioner under the Peter Obi administration, was received by the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
- The defection of the deputy governor has sent political tongues wagging in Anambra state and beyond
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Awka - Dr. Nkem Okeke, the deputy governor of Anambra state on Wednesday, October 13, defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okeke, a former University lecturer, was formally received into the APC by President Muhammadu Buhari after he was led to Aso Rock by the party's caretaker committee chairman and Yobe state governor Mai Mala Buni, and Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma.
Source: Facebook
While the defection of the deputy governor shocked political watchers in the country, the move did not come as a surprise to their counterparts in Anambra state.
Legit.ng gathered that the defection of Okeke has always been in the offing because of reasons which include:
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1. Seizure of his entitlements
The deputy governor has been reportedly been starved of his entitlements severally by the state government. The situation was said to have irked Okeke who was said to have made attempts to get his dues but it was denied. Although he was said to have been paid his salaries, the entitlements were not forthcoming.
2. Refusal to change his official cars
The deputy governor was also reportedly rebuffed when he made attempts to get his official cars changed, especially a bulletproof vehicle due to the insecurity in the state and the southeast region. Dr. Okeke was said to have been concerned about his safety and made attempts to get better vehicles but his requests were turned down.
3. Denial of his allowances
Dr. Okeke was also said to have been denied his wardrobe, travel and other allowances even as a sitting deputy governor. Again, he was rebuffed severally when he made attempts to get what is due to him, with many saying the decision not to pay him was more of political than a financial decision.
4. Frosty relationship with the governor
In the early part of their administration, the deputy governor was accused of “outshining the governor.” He was allegedly promptly called to order to seek clarification on what to say during state functions. Although, a highly revered traditional ruler in the state had restored truce in their leadership, it seems the centre between the duo can no longer hold.
5. Positioning for 2023
The incumbent deputy governor could not nurse the ambition of replacing his boss in office as APGA zoned the party's guber ticket to Anambra South senatorial district while he is from Anambra Central senatorial district. There are insinuations that the Dr. Okeke defected to the APC to position himself for an appointment, especially as we approach 2023.
Actor Zubby Michael Campaigns for APGA, Soludo
Meanwhile, Nollywood actor Zubby Michael on Saturday, September 25 joined members of APGA at the flag-off of its campaign ahead of the Anambra governorship election.
Michael, an APGA chieftain and a special adviser on media to Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano, shared photos of the campaign on his social media pages.
He wrote on his Instagram page on Sunday, September 26:
“Majority carries the vote. Me and my people yesterday. Crowd is power.”
Source: Legit.ng
