Traditional rulers in Dunukofia kingdom in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone have endorsed Chief Willie Obiano, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the November 16 gubernatorial election, as the next governor of the state.

Political analysts say the endorsement is significant as Anambra Central is the supposed stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer, Mr. Tony Nwoye.

The traditional rulers who turned out in one accord at Umunnachi to receive Obiano’s campaign train and bestow their royal blessings on the APGA candidate are Igwe F. U. Onochie of Umunnachi; Igwe Dr. Emeka Iluno of Ifite Dunu; Igwe T. C. Tagbo of Ukwullu; Onowu Raphael Chukwurah, regent of Umudioka; and Crown Prince Nwaegwu of Nawgu community.

The royal fathers who mobilised their various communities to a rally that attracted a mammoth crowd at Dunukofia were unanimous in describing Chief Obiano as the best out of the 23 gubernatorial candidates seeking to succeed Governor Peter Obi.

Earlier in a private gathering the traditional rulers had assured the APGA candidate of their support and bestowed their blessing on him. During the meeting, Chief Obiano had also assured the royal fathers that his administration would build on the achievements of the Peter Obi administration to lift Anambra State to the status of Nigeria’s leading industrializing state.

According to him, Governor Obi has graciously built the super-structure for accelerated development and what Anambra requires is a thoroughbred technocrat like him who has the competence and a vast network of contacts to build on Obi’s foundation and put Anambra on the map of model states in West Africa.

The APGA flag-bearer revealed that his 4-Cs concept and the Anambra Wheel of Development were developed to address the basic issues of development in the state and to ensure that there is continuity in the promotion of the great projects that the current APGA government in the state is implementing.

“We shall continue, complete, commission and commence a set of revolutionary initiatives that will fast track the realization of the development needs of the state and reposition Anambra as the leader in industrialization,” Chief Obiano promised. He also assured that his government would use agriculture, trade and commerce, oil and gas and industrialization to turn the state around.

The Dunkofia rally attracted a huge crowd of enthusiastic people who sang the praises of Chief Obiano and cheered ceaselessly when he mounted the podium to address them.

•Photo shows APGA National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh (left) and Governor Peter Obi (right) raising Chief Obiano's hands at a campaign rally.