In a dramatic twist, the Senator representing Anambra North, Stella Oduah, on Thursday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oduah is currently standing trial on money laundering charges running to N5bn.
Her defection was made known shortly after meeting with the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mala Buni, in Abuja.
She said her decision to make the switch was dictated by the need to engage in progressive politics for her constituency and the people of Anambra State.
Oduah’s defection is coming about a month after the Federal High Court in Abuja threatened to issue a warrant for her arrest after failing to appear in court for the corruption trial.
She is accused of laundering funds to the tune of N5 billion alongside Chinese construction giant, CCECC.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had in December 2020, filed a 25-count charge, accusing both parties of laundering various sums of money totalling about N5,052,415,984 between February and June 2014.
They were also accused of conspiracy to commit money laundering, transferring, taking control and taking possession of proceeds of fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering and opening anonymous bank accounts.
The anti-graft body also alleged that Ms Oduah and a Ms Odita opened anonymous “Private Banking Nominee” dollar and naira accounts with First Bank, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 11(4) (a) of the same Act.
Governor Buni, in his remarks while warmly receiving Oduah, said she would have a ‘waiver’ and enjoy the dividends of joining the ruling party.
“You will enjoy the privileges enjoyed by all members of the party because you will have a waiver,” the Yobe Governor, flanked by othe party top shots, said.