First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, on Saturday endorsed the candidacy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, and his running mate, Chidi Onyemelukwe(nee Ekwueme), for the November 18 governorship poll in Anambra State.

The 89-year-old elder statesman gave the endorsement at his country home, Ukpo, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state. Although he acknowledged that there were tough challenges in contesting with an incumbent and a Federal Government candidate, Willie Obiano and Tony Nwoye respectively, Chief Amaechi said he would not waiver in his optimism.

He sad: “This staff is for you as a symbol of my utmost support and assurance that you will be the next Governor of Anambra State come March 17, 2018.

“I’m 89 and will be celebrating my 90th Birthday on June 16. I want you to celebrate it with me as governor.

“You’re a good man. Your relationship with elders like me while you served under Peter Obi as SSG is enough proof that you have all ingredients of good leadership.

“Besides, there’s no other candidate in this election that matches you in pedigree and the required ingredients to be a governor of a state like Anambra.”

Handing over a traditional staff of authority (Offor) to Obaze as a symbol of his endorsement, Chief Amaechi expressed optimism that the PDP would win the election.

He observed that PDP and the federal-ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were the only two political in Nigeria that had national outlook, saying that Anambra had been an outsider for too long.

Chief Amaechi further said that though Peter Obi managed that handicap during his time as the state governor so much so that the state didn’t actually feel left out of main trust of events, he added: “What we have now as government is truly leaving us far behind.”

Amaechi, reputed as the only surviving member of the post independence maverick Zikist Movement, added that time had come for the state to reconnec to national political grid.

Accepting the symbolic staff of authority, Obaze thanked the octogenarian for his kind words and support, assuring that he and his running mate would never disappoint as governor and deputy governor.

Update news