The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State, has described the purported defection of Chief Emeka Ihedioha and other party loyalists to APC as fake news.

PDP recently revealed that the news should be ignored because it was sponsored by failed politicians.

According to the State Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ogubundu Nwadike, the news is mischievous and poorly scripted, and it should be disregarded by members of the public.

He added that there is no truth in the rumour, and Chief Emeka Ihedioha is focused on staying put and excelling at the party.

His words, “Ordinarily, we would not dignify such inanity with an official response, but to ensure that nobody is held in doubt about the falsehood inherent in the said story. We not only declare unequivocally that Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has no plans to leave our dear party, but we authoritatively add that he and other leaders of our party in the state have no reason to contemplate such action.

“It is very evident that Rt. Hon. Ihedioha, a life member of the National Executive Committee, NEC, of our party, is a consequential stakeholder and leader whose loyalty and commitment to the PDP since its formation, has never been called to question.

“His integrity quotient has been tested and proven. It may be necessary to remind all that it was via PDP that he served our country in various high offices, including Chief Whip, Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the House of Representatives and only recently, elected Governor of Imo State overwhelmingly by the people.

“However, we are not oblivious of the clandestine efforts by fifth columnists, who have perpetually lost sleep over the goodwill, respect and massive support Rt. Hon. Ihedioha enjoys in the state and across the country.

“The good news is that the sponsors of the joke, are not unknown to Imolites and Nigerians. Without any need to yet publish their identities, we will only assure them that their pettiness is inconsequential.”