Astute politician, lawyer and administrator, Senator Emma Nwaka, has confirmed his interest in running during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State, even as he restated his support for incumbent Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu PhD.

He confirmed his interest on Thursday, March 4, 2021 while hosting selected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders from Isuikwuato Local Government Area at his country home at Amaokwe Amiyi Uhu, Isuikwuato.

Addressing his guests, Nwaka noted that over the years, the people of Isuikwuato LGA in particular and Abia North in general have supported PDP and voted overwhelmingly to deliver the party’s candidates. He argued that the Abia governorship having been occupied by Abia Central and South senatorial zones, “it will be fair and just for the party to zone the position to Abia North” in 2023.

Confirming that he will be running for governor in 2023, Nwaka laid out his qualifications, having served meritoriously as a Senator; Commissioner for Agriculture, Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs in Abia and the State Chairman of PDP. He called on all Abians “to rise up and heed to this clarion call for equity, peace, development of Abia State.”

Nwaka’s expression of interest was greeted with applause and commendations from all in attendance, who promised to throw their weight behind him.

Nwaka and all in attendance, however, re-affirmed their support for PDP in Abia State under the chairmanship of Rt. Hon. Allwell Asiforo Okere and the Leader, Governor Ikpeazu.

Among Abia PDP chieftains at the meeting were Rtd. Navy Capt. Christopher Osondu, Hon. Mrs. Uloma Onuoha, Engr. Gladys Okoro, Hon. Chief Nnamdi M. Udueze, Hon. Emeka Ikwuagwu, Hon. Chima Agbaeze, Hon. Chief Obinna Ekekwe, Hon. Barr. Monday Ejiegbu, Dame Amarachi Dede, Hon. Mrs. Christy Emenike, Hon. Peter Nwakanma, Hon. Chinedu Igboko, Chief Mrs. Dioma Duruoha, Barr. Mrs. Loveth Ofoegbu, Chief Hendris Ojiabor, Hon. Chinyere Charles Emenike, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, Dr. Martin Okoji, Dr. Udo Arukwe, Dr. Chinonyerem Uwadinjo, Chief Ben Egwuonwu, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, Barr. Ferdinand Ibebuike, Chief Sunday Stephen, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enwerem, Hon. Mrs. Mary Mgboo, Hon. Chinwendu Kanu, and Chief Eric Ikwuagwu.

In her vote of thanks, Barr. Mrs. Ofoegbu thanked Senator Nwaka for hosting them and prayed for God to be with him and grant him the needed favours as he sets out to realize his governorship ambition.

Speaking later withNews Express, Senator Nwaka clarified that he has not declared for governorship but only expressed interest as it is premature to declare at this stage.

His words: “I wish to state as a thoroughbred foundation member of PDP that I consider it premature for anyone to declare to run for a non-vacant office. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, in whom I’m well pleased, still has over two years to go. The responsibility of all Abians, including my humble self is to support the governor in every way we can to ensure that he ends his full two terms in a blaze of glory to the satisfaction of the electorate.”