One of the governorship aspirants in the just concluded gubernatorial primary in Abia State Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, has pledged to support the winner of the primary in the state, Professor Uche Ikonne to win the governorship seat.
Igbokwe who came second during the PDP primary in the state, said he is throwing his weight behind the PDP’s candidate because he wants the state to move forward and record resounding progress under Ikonne.
Mayor Igbokwe made the pledge while addressing a mammoth crowd of his supporters Wednesday at Umuawa Alocha Community Primary School Umuahia.
He thanked his supporters for their steadfast loyalty and unwavering support and debunked the rumour that he had abandoned them, explaining that “Without you, we couldn’t have created much impact”.
“We want to stress that the Ekweremekwe Campaign Team gave the contest for the ticket of our party the best shot with the backing of my ardent supporters who strongly believe in my capacity to offer selfless service to the good people of Abia”, he declared.
According to him, “We put up a formidable fight even though the process was dogged by controversies over the three-man delegate list”, adding that his decision to seek election was borne out of his passion to drive change and inspire the youths to a greater height and bring about a new normal.
He also denied allegations that he was sponsored by a political god-father with vested interest in the outcome of the contest, saying that the decision to join the race was entirely his and that he bankrolled his campaign.
His words: “It should be noted that in the build up to the PDP governorship primary, I had my Ekweremekwe Campaign Organisation moving round the 17 LGAs and engaging with stakeholders and potential delegates on how to salvage the God’s Own State. We pushed the message of abiding hope for the future and the ‘freedom from fear’ which I presented to seek their support.”
Igbokwe observed that that he had promised to return Abia to God and the people if elected governor, pointing out that he was ready to deploy his international connections to help return the state to the “glorious years of Dr. Michael Okpara”.
He however, opined that following the outcome of the PDP primaries, a lot of alignments and re-alignments of political forces had been going on, hence his decision to support the party’s flag bearer and urged his supporters to transfer their support to the PDP governorship candidate, Professor Uche Ikonne.
The UN Mayor of Peace pledged to mobilise his supporters to deliver Ikonne; Speaker of the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives candidate for Ikwuano-Umuahia federal constituency, Hon. Chinedum Orji, and other PDP candidates in the 2023 election.
He said that he had interfaced with Ikonne under who gave him assurances that he would integrate some of his programmes in his manifesto.
The Entertainment guru who said he joined the race to give Abia youths a sense of belonging, said “the future is still bright”.
Igbokwe who vowed never to dump the PDP, urged other aspirants who are still aggrieved to let go and help to rebuild the party.
“We will remain where we are and pursue the desired peace and development of our state which are of paramount importance to us.
“We are going to ensure that every interest is protected in the process if we must continue with Prof Uche Ikonne.
“I will continue to stand and fight for your cause going forward. Expect a big difference from what obtained in the past because we are going to personally hold the Government accountable for the people”.
In his remark, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Christopher Enweremadu, thanked Igbokwe for his wise decision to throw his weight behind the party’s flag bearer Ikonne.
Enweremadu who came with the former Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Humphrey Azubuike, said Igbokwe fought like a gallant soldier having come second in the race.
The former Speaker said Igbokwe displayed the spirit of sportsmanship as most of other aspirants had decamped to other parties.
He accused other aspirants of coming to scatter the party, while hailing Igbokwe as a party loyalist.
Enweremadu promised that the PDP flag bearer, Ikonne, would always consult with Igbokwe and give him a sense of belonging.
He also said that himself and Igbokwe “still have future in Abia politics.”
Enweremadu urged the people to support Ikonne; Orji, and all PDP candidates in the 2023 elections.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
