. . . Endorsed by Governor Obiano as successor

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Victor Umeh, has sent jitters in Anambra political arena following his declaration of former Central Bank Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as the party’s candidate for the November 6, 2021 governorship election in the state.

This is the first time in Anambra politics that a candidate is announced before the conduct of the party’s primary election.

Umeh made the declaration when he hosted Soludo and his campaign team over the weekend in his country home, Aguluzigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

According to the former National Chairman of APGA, the State Governor Chief Willie Obiano, has also endorsed Soludo as the party’s flag bearer come November 6, 2021.

He said: “The governor’s endorsement was the outcome of a private meeting I had with him recently on the choice of a candidate for the party in the forthcoming primaries scheduled to hold on 23rd June, 2021.

“What people had been insinuating on the position of the governor has been put to rest, other aspirants should respect the governor’s decision.

“I am supporting the candidacy of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, because Governor Willie Obiano, has endorsed him to fly the party ticket.

“Governor Obiano called me and told me to in for all party members in the state, including delegates for the party's primarìes to back the candidacy of Soludo if APGA must continue in Anambra State. So, I urge members to support the wish of the governor.

”Besides the governor's call, I personally have love for Soludo, since his journey into Anambra politics. He was to be the next Governor after Mr Peter Obi in 2013 but because APGA believes in equity, fairness and justice, the governorship slot was zoned to Anambr a North that produced Chief Willie Obiano through my effort as the National Chairman of the party then.”

While appealing to card carrying members of the party to support and ensure Soludo wins, he observed that the party has zoned the ticket to Anambra South where former CBN Governor hails from.

Umeh added: “As a political veteran who has been in the system for more than 20 years, I think at this point, I should know who the cap fits in the state. I and my supporters are for Soludo. There’s no body language in this.

“The majority of APGA leaders are strongly behind you to emerge as the flag bearer of the party.”

In his speech, Soludo hailed Senator Umeh and his supporters for their support.

He pledged to carry all party members along in his administration if given the opportunity to govern the state.

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