Anambra Poll: Ojukwu’s Son Allays Fears Of APGA Guber Aspirants

The apprehension among governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ananmbra State over the implications of the Appeal Court judgment that revalidated Victor Umeh's position as National Chairman was put to rest on Tuesday when a member of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT), Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Jr., explained that they have nothing to fear about.

About 25 aspirants of the party, who reportedly alligned themselves to the Maxi Okwu-led National Executive, have since the judgment, been apprehensive that they may not be allowed to take part in the party's primary election to be conducted by Umeh.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Ojukwu Jr. noted that primaries would be conducted to nominate the party's flag bearer, adding that every aspirant, who goes through the right process, would be allowed to take part.

'Any persons aspiring to run under the APGA should approach the party leadership at the national and state levels.

'Primaries will be held at the appropriate time and the emerging candidate will be presented to the INEC', he explained.

Ojukwu further stressed that it would amount to irresponsibility on the part of Governor Peter Obi to challenge the Appeal Court judgment.

He stressed: 'There was no such thing. Ifeanyi Ubah chose to pursue his ambitions through another party. Nobody pushed him out.

'He had the opportunity to work with the APGA and go through the primaries, but chose differently.

'As an aspirant, it his prerogative to choose his platform. For me, once he decided to seek his fortunes elsewhere, my position was clear.

'As Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, member APGA BoT, I had to turn down the position of DG in his campaign and focus my attention on party matters'.

Reacting to allegations that Ubah left APGA because the two peace committees agreed to trade him for peace, Ojukwu said, 'No individual is greater than the party. It is time to move forward.

'To persist on the path of confrontation now, given his position of responsibility to Anambrarians, would be gross negligence at the least.

'It is time to sheath swords and grow the party. The governor has a lot of value to add, should he wish to do so. The choice is his.

'He remains a friend and a brother, but I am APGA true and true and as such, I can only support APGA candidates'.