Why I Defected to APC –Hon. Atu

Honorable Chimaobi Samuel Atu, a respected member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives from Enugu State, recently made headlines by defecting from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a candid interview, Atu elucidates that his decision transcends personal ambition—it is rooted in a steadfast commitment to delivering tangible development and ensuring equitable representation for his people in the South East. Highlighting APC’s proven track record, he underscores the imperative of aligning with a government genuinely dedicated to progress and inclusion.

Excerpts:

Q: Honorable Atu, you recently defected from the Labour Party to the APC. What motivated this decision?

A: My decision was driven by the need to align with a party that has demonstrated real commitment to the development of my people. It’s not about personal ambition but about ensuring that my constituents benefit from tangible progress. The APC has consistently shown interest in addressing the developmental needs of the South East, delivering on important infrastructure projects where others have failed.

Q: Can you specify some of the projects that influenced your confidence in the APC?

A: Certainly. Under the APC administration, we’ve seen the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, reconstruction of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, and dualisation of the Enugu-Abakaliki road. These projects had been promised for years but only the APC government took decisive action to implement them. For example, when a section of the expressway collapsed in my constituency, it was repaired within eight months.

Q: How does the APC government show inclusion for the South East region beyond infrastructure?

A: Inclusion is evident in the federal government’s national security architecture. For the first time, an Igbo son was appointed Chief of Naval Staff, and South East officers are now part of high-level national security discussions. This kind of representation was absent before, and it reflects a new era of inclusion under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

Q: Some may say that party loyalty is important. How do you respond to those who might question your defection?

A: My loyalty lies with my constituents, not the party. I was elected to represent the people and ensure they benefit from Nigeria’s commonwealth. The APC offers a platform to realize these goals through its policies and projects. It’s about delivering results on the ground rather than sentiment or party lines.

Q: Could you share some specific initiatives you have championed in your constituency since joining the National Assembly?

A: Absolutely. We have introduced solar-powered street lights to improve security, provided scholarships at secondary and university levels, supported women and youth in agriculture—especially poultry—and empowered commercial drivers by helping them own vehicles. We have also rehabilitated over four kilometres of roads critical for farmers to transport their produce.

Q: Beyond physical projects, what other community support efforts have you undertaken?

A: We’ve renovated science labs and supplied mobile labs to secondary schools to enhance education. There have been relief distributions to the vulnerable, medical outreach programs, and payment of hospital bills for indigent patients. I believe opportunity is key to success—just as it was for entrepreneurs like Elon Musk—and I’m committed to creating those opportunities for my people.

Q: How have you contributed legislatively during your tenure?

A: I have sponsored over 15 bills and consistently raised constituency-related issues in the National Assembly. While lawmakers don’t execute projects directly, we advocate for policies and laws that benefit our constituents and hold the executive accountable.

Q: What message do you have for your constituents and other leaders in the South East?

A: I am deeply grateful to my constituents for their trust. I promise not to betray that trust. I urge all South East leaders and Nigerians to look beyond party differences and support any government that delivers equitable development and fosters national unity. The APC government has rekindled hope for my people, and I am committed to turning that hope into reality.

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