“Those Joining APC Want Peace, No threat Or Intimidaton” — Chief Henry Ikoh

An APC Chieftain in Abia State and former Minister for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh has said that the mass defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress is a testament of the confidence they have in the party and Mr President.

Chief Ikoh made the assertion over the weekend while speaking to journalists in a telephone interview.

He was reacting to the comments of some opposition politicians who alleged that the governors and other politicians who joined the APC did so because they were intimidated and threatened by the ruling party.

He said the major opposition parties are in disarray, adding that nobody wants to stay in a crisis ridden environment, adding that the All Progressives Congress is the only part that is peaceful and united.

“I don’t think those joining the party (APC) were forced or bullied to do so. These are adults and big time politicians in the country.”

“For me, they want peace and the only party in Nigeria today that is peaceful, working as one United family is the APC.”

“Look at the PDP, their leadership crisis does not seem to end anytime soon. Everybody in the country knows that PDP is not a viable option. No right thinking politician will want to continue in such a disorganized party.”

“Anyone still hoping that things will turn around for PDP is doing so at his own peril.”

“Just today, I read from the dailies that the National Working Committee of the party has suspended Sam Anyanwụ and some other persons. Few hours later, the same Sam Anyanwụ suspended their national Chairman. Remember also that a Federal High Court barred them from having their National Convention. Who will want to be in that kind of party?”

“What I’m saying is that, nobody forced anybody to join the party. They came because they found peace in the APC and that also is a testament to the confidence they have in Mr. President.”

“You must not forget that the problem is not only in the PDP, the Labour Party is also in chaos, Abure is holding them down. The Labour Party cannot take anyone to any destination in Nigerian politics today.”

Is it the confusion coalition? They have their issue too.

The former minister cautioned the public against making unfounded claims to discredit the party.

Speaking of the issue of “one party state”, Chief Ikoh said there is no such plan in the APC , adding that democracy thrives where there is opposition and watchdogs.

“There is no plan to turn Nigeria into a one party state. Having one party is undemocratic. Democracy can only thrive where you have contrary opinions. There should be good oppositions who serve as watch dogs of the government.”

“Anybody saying that is being economical with the truth.”