From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated the campaign council for the party’s standard bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Sen Iyom Uche Ekwunife.
Four members of Anambra State House of Assembly at the occasion defected from their different political parties to All Progressives Congress (APC).
Thousands of APC faithful in Anambra State defied a heavy downpour to be part of the ceremony which eat deep into the night.
In his speech, the APC chairman in Anambra State, Chief Basil Ejidike, formally announced the start of the campaigns noting that the appointment of heads of the various committees marked a new phase of work for the party.
He dismissed claims in some quarters that the party had started its campaign late, describing the period of quiet as “strategic preparation.”
“The party has an established presence in every ward across the state and has already done commendable work at the grassroots level. The manipulation and intimidation witnessed during the August 16 by-election under APGA will never be repeated. Today, we have dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s,” Chief Ejidike said.
He appealed to APC faithful and all lovers of good to rally behind the ticket of Prince Ukachukwu and Iyom Ekwunife noting that the duo fully understand the task ahead, and their good intentions for Anambra State will soon manifest in concrete results.
in his own comment, Chief Chidozie Nnwakwo, a party stalwart, described the governorship team as the right leadership to move the state forward.
“Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife are the team that will lead Anambra State to the Promised Land. The decision of members from various parties to join the APC is clear proof that the party stands united and is destined to lift Anambra to greater heights,” he asserted.
APC National Vice Chairman(South East), Chief Ijeoma Arodiogbu while speaking at the occasion pointed out that Anambra State holds a special place in Nigeria, which is why the party is determined to secure victory.
He urged party faithful to redouble their efforts to ensure success at the polls noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of the party, and all APC governors across the country are in full support of the candidature of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife.
Hon Dozie Ikedife Jr, the Director General (DG) of the inaugurated campaign council expressed confidence that victory was assured for APC come November 8.
He however called on members of the council to work hard to secure victory for the party at the November polls.
Prince Ukachukwu in his brief remarks at the occasion congratulated all the individuals who are selected as members of the campaign council noting that their appointment is a call to duty to salvage Anambra State from bad governance.
The APC standard bearer alongside his running mate, Iyom Ekwunife warmly welcomed the members of the Anambra State House of Assembly who defected to APC family and assured that more federal lawmakers and state lawmakers would soon join up.
He assured the defectors along with their constituents, of brighter and better days ahead under the APC banner.
The four members of Anambra State House of Assembly who defected to APC include; Hon. Paul Obu (Orumba North), Hon Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike (Nnewi North), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North II) and Hon. Patrick Udoba (Anambra West)
The event also witnessed the unveiling of a 21-member planning committee, led by Sir Arinze Awogu as chairman, with notable figures such as Engr. Chidi Oji, Barr. Kingsley Ezekwelu, Sam Oraegbunam, Hon. Tim Ifediora, and Dr. Obi Ndigwe among others.
As drums rolled and party flags fluttered, the message was clear: APC is determined to mount a formidable challenge in the November polls, with Ukachukwu and Ekwunife promising a new deal for Ndi Anambra.