Ebonyi deputy governor, Kelechi Igwe said it was tough deciding to cross over to the APC with the governor, Dave Umahi because he, as well as many other government officials did not like the ruling party.

Leading other state executive members to pay a Christmas homage to the governor in his Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area country home on Tuesday, Mr. Igwe recounted how they foot-dragged on the decision but had limited time to make widespread consultation.

“When you announced that it was time to move on, a lot of us were foot-dragging, wanting to make consultations but at the end, decided to move with you,” NAN quoted Mr. Igwe to have said. “I must confess that some of us didn’t like the APC but decided to join it because of you, so we are declaring that you must contest the 2023 presidential election.”

Responding, Mr. Umahi advised his visitors to continue to remain loyal to his administration and not indulge in any acts of betrayal, in spite of the circumstance.

The governor pleaded with the executive members to continue to stay steadfast with him though “there is a Judas in every 12.”

He said unstable politicians are never taken seriously. He also reiterated that the APC is the party where Igbos can “property evaluate” themselves.

Mr. Umahi was twice elected on the platform of opposition PDP but defected from the party in November, citing “injustice being done to South-East by the PDP.”

Though he has denied it, many believes the Ebonyi governor defected to the APC to realise his presidential ambition.