APGA Endorses Jonathan, Ihedioha for February Polls

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, Nigeria 2015 Election Monday, January 26th, 2015

A faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has adopted the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), governorship candidate in Imo state, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and President Goodluck Jonathan as its choice for the February 14th and 28th elections.

Factional national chairman of APGA, Chief Ejike Uche led some members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Working Committee (NWC), to make the declaration while addressing journalists in Owerri, Monday.

Uche told the media that their decision is based on the outcome of several meetings and consultations within and outside the party and urged all members of the party and the Imo electorate to demonstrate their support for the duo of Jonathan and Ihedioha by casting their votes for them.

Uche said they did not accept the former Interior Minister, Capt Emma Iheanacho as their candidate, in view of his affiliation with Chief Victor Umeh, adding that the position of the group was a coalition and not merger.

Also at the briefing were a former Attorney General of the state, Prof. Francis Dike, a former President of Orlu Zurume cultural group in the state, Chief Reuben Okoro, a former Mayor of Owerri Metropolis, Chief Uche Njoku, a Personal Assistant to Ihedioha and a member of his campaign organization, among others.

While awaiting the court decision on the crisis befalling the APGA between him and Chief Victor Umeh, Ejike, said the party would produce a candidate by 2019, insisting that Prince Cletus C. Nwaka, remained their chairman in the state.

He said: “After consultations, the best man today; the best man and the best man that will go on February 28, is Emeka Ihedioha.”

Nwaka, who is a former chairman of the state’s Civil Service Commission (CSC), said he had remained the authentic party chairman in the state, who has discharged his duties well, stressing that he was in support of the party.

Speaking for the party and Orlu, Okoro said he was being sincere, adding that it was the turn of Owerri zone and not the turn of re-enactment of Governor Rochas Okorocha, who comes from Orlu, after the Orlu zone had produced Chief Achike Udenwa for eight years before he handed over to Ikedi Ohakim after a stint of four years.