The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday lost some of its top leaders in the neighbouring South-East states of Enugu and Anambra to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors are Senator Jim Nwobodo, who was the first executive governor of old Anambra State, Senator Fidelis Okoro, who was a senator between 1999 and 2007, and Sen. Uche Ekwunife, the erstwhile senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.

Nwobodo and Okolo declared for APC at a stakeholders meeting convened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey Onyeama yesterday.

Nwobodo was recently named by embattled former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) among those who benefited from the multi-billion naira arms deal, being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had denied any wrongdoing, saying that the N500 million released to him by the NSA was meant for PDP leaders in the South-East to drum support for the re-election of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election.

Ekwunife, who announced her defection in Awka, was inaugurated as senator in June 2015 but had her election nullified by Appeal Court in Enugu on December 6, 2015, on grounds of irregularities.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the zone within 90 days.

Ekwunife, who has begun preparation for the repeat poll confirmed her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to newsmen in Awka.

“It’s better now for me to join the APC.

“Let the heat be there; I am already on campaigns for my return to the senate, to complete my contract with the people of Anambra Central District.”

Ekwunife said that her goodies for her people under the APC would soon be made public. (Daily Sun/NAN)

•Photo shows Sen. Ekwunife.