FORMER National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing neglect by his former party during his years of political and personal travails.
News Point Nigeria reports that Metuh announced his defection on Sunday during a thanksgiving service in Abuja to commemorate his 60th birthday, marking his return to active partisan politics after publicly withdrawing from the political scene three years ago.
The event drew a high-powered delegation of political heavyweights from across party lines, including the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma; former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim; former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), and Ikedi Ohakim (Imo); as well as Senator Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye.
Speaking with journalists after the thanksgiving service, Metuh said he was returning to politics with a renewed commitment to contribute to national development and support the APC administration.
He said he made the decision after reflecting deeply on his past challenges and the support he received—not from the PDP he served loyally for years, but from leaders of the opposition at the time, including then–opposition leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recounting his legal ordeals and personal struggles, Metuh said the experience opened his eyes to the reality of political loyalty.
“When I had problems, I did not see my party; I did not see the people I suffered for,” he told the congregation.
“I was in court with my family alone. But in the midst of that, somebody I criticised almost weekly, President Tinubu, who was opposition leader then sent the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, to visit me. He reached out, he comforted me, and he did a lot. This was someone I considered a political enemy.”
Metuh added that his experience taught him that “it is not always where you sow that you reap,” declaring that he bears no grudge against the PDP but has “moved on.”
“I gave my life to the PDP. I wish them well, but I have moved on,” he said.
Metuh revealed that President Tinubu had approached him several times over the years with invitations to join the APC, but he declined each time because he had withdrawn from active politics.
“It took me a long time to get involved in politics again. The President wanted to work with me. Even in 2015, after we lost the election, he reached out again. I refused,” Metuh said.
“After I left politics in 2022, he still called me. I refused. After he won the election, I went to see him. He asked me to join the party, but I said no because I was out of politics.
Now that I’m back, I want to help. I want to be a good voice on this side.”
Despite joining the ruling party, Metuh dismissed fears that Nigeria is sliding toward a one-party state, stressing that the country still has credible opposition figures capable of sustaining a healthy democratic balance.
“There are many credible people in the opposition who will ensure Nigeria does not become a one-party state: Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, many credible citizens,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for robust engagement, dialogue, and policy criticism, noting that democracy thrives when strong voices speak truth to power.
“We need vibrant opposition. We need people to express their views. We need space in our democracy. We need to grow it,” he said.
Metuh said his intention is not merely to switch political camps but to play a constructive role in addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges.
“I want to assist the government at the centre and the President in delivering the dividends of democracy. I have seen the steps taken, and I’ve seen the challenges. As a patriotic Nigerian, I want to join hands in resolving those challenges,” he said.