The former lawmaker, who was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was formally received into the APC fold on Saturday at the Abakaliki Stadium during the party’s rally in the Southeast.
The national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed Anyim and other stakeholders from the Southeast into the party.
The event was attended by top party officials, including Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and other governors and stalwarts of the party.
Commenting on the defection, the Minister of Works and Transport, Engr. David Umahi noted that Anyim has been helping APC, especially during the 2023 general election.
He said, “To our Son and my friend the former Senate President of Nigeria, you have been one of the people that encourage me to join APC but then I refused saying it will distract me.
“I’m sorry that when I joined APC I did it without you. During the general election, Anyim worked for APC but today you are officially joining the party.”
Recall that the APC Chairman in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, had earlier disclosed that he had persuaded Anyim to join the party, citing his wealth of experience and leadership qualities.
“I took it personal to be going to him on the need to join us because it will not be possible for the entire southeast to be negotiating without a man like him.
“I am a fulfilled person today because I have seen APC poster bearing his name and image in APC rally. It is because of his exigencies that makes him not to be here in this rally.
“I have made frantic and personal efforts and met him in Abuja on the need to join us because of his wealth of experience.
“He is such a wonderful personality and there is no way you can put his picture in our(APC) rally program without his consent. He has already confirmed to be part of APC and that is why his picture is allowed in our program today.
“I stand here to announce to us that Senator Anyim Pius Anyim is a member of APC. He is not only an APC member, but a stakeholder in APC.
“By 14th of next month, you will know that he is not only a stakeholder of APC in Ebonyi State, he is a stakeholder in the entire south east of APC,” Emegha had said.