Amaechi’s Deputy Governor, Ikuru, dumps APC, joins PDP

The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru, has dumped the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to join the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Ikuru, who was one of Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s major ally, is said to have announced his defection in Port Harcourt, the state capital at about 4 p.m.

The decampee was first elected deputy governor to Celestine Omehia in 2007, before the duo was removed by the Supreme Court less than six months in office. When Mr. Amaechi was sworn in as governor, he retained Mr. Ikuru as his deputy and the duo fought against the interests and allies of the former governor of the state, Peter Odili.

At the time Mr. Amaechi fell out with the leadership of the PDP and defected to the APC with majority of his aides, Mr. Ikuru remained loyal to the governor and fought on the same side.

The Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has said the reasons adduced by his deputy, Tele Ikuru, for resigning from the All Progressives Congress, APC, were shocking to him.

Mr. Ikuru resigned from the APC and immediately canvassed support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Nyesom Wike.

Gov Amaechis commissioner for information Ms. Semenitari’s statement said the governor received the news of Mr. Ikuru’s resignation from the APC on Sunday evening. It stated that the news remained unofficial as the deputy governor was yet to notify the governor of his move. It, however, said the governor wished him the best in his future political endeavours.

“He however wishes to note that the reasons adduced by Engineer Ikuru are shocking as Deputy Governor lkuru has consistently been the one driving political activities in his local government area of Andoni. He has also been the second in command driving politics and governance in Rivers State,” the statement said.