PDP insists on Nwoye, Ngige begins campaign • UPP substitutes candidate, running mate • Uba pledges review of security system THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that Mr. Tony Nwoye remained the candidate of the party in the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State. This is notwithstanding the interim court order obtained by Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu to replace Nwoye in the said election. However, Nwoye yesterday filed a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, asking him to investigate and arrest a politician for allegedly forging documents and using the same to obtain the court order against (him) Nwoye. Ukachukwu had on Tuesday – the deadline for the submission of nominations by the political parties – obtained a judgment disqualifying Nwoye as a candidate. But in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP legal team, led by J.K. Gadzama (SAN), insisted that Nwoye remained the party’s candidate for the November 16 election. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, Gadzama stated that Section 33 of the Electoral Act provides that only death or voluntary withdrawal could allow a political party to substitute its candidate whose name had been submitted to the commission. The PDP legal team maintained that the party had duly nominated its gubernatorial candidate in line with the Electoral Act. In a surprise move, the United Progressives Party (UPP) announced substitution of its candidate and his deputy, a few hours before the expiration of the deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the election, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, has proposed comprehensive review of the security arrangement in the state if elected. Rising from its 3rd National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the UPP announced the substitution of Prince O.N.C. Akanegbu and his chosen deputy, Sunny Chuba Nwachukwu, with Prof. Benedict Ndubuisi Akanegbu, stressing that the decision was taken in agreement with all the candidates. The party, which had earlier filled and submitted the INEC forms CF001 and CF002B to the electoral commission with the names of the former as its candidate noted that there was a review of its strategy for the withdrawal and substitution of the candidates, stressing that O.N.C. Akanegbu, who is the party’s national treasurer voluntarily withdrew his candidature in support of Prof. Akanegbu, who is his elder brother. Presenting the new candidate to members of the party, National Chairman of the UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie, who noted that there was no rancour leading to the decision by Prince Akanegbu to step down for his brother, pledged the party’s resolve to carry out a coordinated and intensive campaign in Anambra State that will be issue-based and devoid of violence, while calling on other political parties in the race to do same. Ubah, who spoke to journalists at Nnewi Tuesday on arrival from the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the LP said his administration would not just fight crime “we shall put structures on ground to discourage criminality, violent crimes and kidnappings. We will also support financial autonomy for the judiciary. “We will implement a comprehensive plan to tackle the root causes of insecurity; reliance on use of force alone will not stem the tide of insecurity in the state. We will focus on preventive measures in order to stop crime from being committed, rather than waiting to detect crime and apprehend offenders after the act.” And All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, will formally kick off his campaign on Saturday, September 28. To this end, the former governor, his supporters and some stakeholders have met, with issues bothering on the election on the front-burner. Top on the list was the double candidacy of the APGA and PDP, which some considered as tricky and unhealthy for good democracy. One of the stakeholders said: “We further considered it as one of the tricks of the opposition to impose a government that is against the will of the people. Dr. Ngige is the best among all the candidates eyeing the number one seat of the state because he has been tried and tested, adding that he can be trusted with the destiny of the citizens. “Ngige was governor between 2003 and 2006 and he has to return to Government House on November 16 so he can use his vast experience to bring meaningful life and sanity to Anambra State which is epileptic at the moment and, for that reason, needs emergency surgery to bring about the long-desired wish of the people.” Responding, Ngige thanked them for their consistent support, trust and confidence in him, saying records are available to show that he has not betrayed or failed them in the past. He assured all that he would continue to spend his time, money and energy to provide the basic amenities to actualise the change they desire. On the double candidacy of the PDP and APGA, he said the INEC promised to stop one of the candidates. He added that APC would take up the issue if INEC does not live up to its assurance. The APC has distanced itself from the claims by one Chuks Chinwuba parading himself as its state chairman, saying the position of chairman does not exist at present. In a statement signed by representatives of the merging parties, including the chairmen of defunct ACN, ANPP and CPC: Mr. A J Obidike, Pastor C.C Nnoli and George Onyechi respectively, APC said the party has not held any congress to elect officers, insisting that Chinwubas’ claim is calculated to bring its name to ridicule.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 01:43:32 +0000
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