With backlog of EFCC probe, AMCON debt, defecting Oduah reacts to promise of ‘waiver” by Buhari’s party

PDP’s strongwoman in Anambra and former aviation minister has dumped her party to join the ruling APC

Senator Stella Oduah said she defected to co-change the political narrative the southeast, according to a statement by APC Director of Publicity, Salisu Dambatta quoted Oduah as saying.

And she moved along with her multitude of supporters “who have been jubilating in Anambra State”.

The leadership of the APC, led by Caretaker Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, and some governors received the politician in Abuja.

“You will enjoy the privileges enjoyed by all members of the party because you will have a waiver”, Buni, the Governor of Yobe, promised.

Critics believe that many of those defecting from the PDP have corruption baggage and other problems with the federal government, and their defection usually offers them some soft-landing.

The critics are right-on in Odua’s case.

She is one of the high-profile politicians the EFCC is probing for corruption in the previous administration under President Goodluck Jonathan who made her aviation minister.

She allegedly diverted N9.5 billion meant for aviation security equipment. EFCC lost an interim forfeiture suit against some assets traced to her in 20202, though the EFCC vowed to appeal the court order.

Besides, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria took over about 12 assets of her Sea Petrol and Gas—in Lagos and Abuja—in 2018 for unpaid loans.

She has guber ambition, too.

With the waiver President Muhammadu Buhari’s party promised the PDP drop-in, all her sins might eventually be forgiven.

Present at the reception the APC organized in Abuja to welcome her were Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, Atiku Bagudu, Dep. Sen. President Ovie Omo-Agege, guber candidate Andy Uba, Imo Gov Hope Uzodima, and others.