The Campaign Rally of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the flag-off of its Governorship campaign on Saturday, September 25, 2021 in Awka was shunned by Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of the founder of the party, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
It was not immediately clear why Mrs Ojukwu, who was once described as APGA’s ‘missing rib’, and whose charismatic presence and fiery speeches in previous outings had electrified every APGA campaign venue, especially in the years following the demise of the Igbo hero, her husband, absented herself from the event.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain had accused Governor Obiano of consistently dishonouring her late husband by not attending any memorial event held in honour of the acclaimed APGA leader.
The party’s candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Ibezim, were presented with the party flag at the event.
This is as Governor Willie Obiano, National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye, his predecessor, Senator Victor Umeh and others declared that Anambra State belonged to APGA. They insisted that no party can dislodge APGA in the November 6 election.
Obiano said that Soludo would win the election very well because the party had in the past 15 years, especially the last seven and half years developed the state.
“We have only two choices in this election, to continue with the progress that we are making steadily or to go back to Egypt.”
He urged the Anambra electorate not to vote for people without clean records, but added that his predecessor, Peter Obi, did well though he did not leave any legacy project.
Umeh also said that APGA has served Anambra people well starting from the period of Obi.
He said: “So, it’s not just that we want to continue in office, but because we have served the people well, we have delivered.
“Anambra International Airport is a clincher for APGA. The Governor has kept to his promises of 2017, since 2018. And because this is an election year, he has added the international airport.
“For those who said they will take Anambra by force, we are wondering how it will happen. APC can’t take over Anambra. They should face the centre and leave us here to do our thing.
“So, let everybody go to his ward for that is where the job is done.”
APGA National Chairman, Oye assured Anambra people that Soludo will turn the state to the Silicone of Africa, noting that he would do excellently well.
Soludo, In his acceptance speech pledged to make the State the destination of choice, building on the achievements of Obiano and Obi.
He said: “APGA is running on a record of performance and hope. APGA has done very well for Ndi-Anambra and the people will not forget.
“We will contest for every vote. For those who are buying expired politicians, we are saying that Anambra is not Imo. The votes will count. People are saying they want to go to the centre, what an idiocy?”
