By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka – A socio-political group, Authentic Anambra South Stakeholders and Leaders Forum, has given Sen. Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) its endorsement to run in the 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the endorsement was announced at a meeting of the group in Nnewi on Wednesday.
Ekwunife had on June 18, declared her intention to run for the governorship position of Anambra in 2021.
Anambra will in November 2021 be going to the polls to elect a successor to Gov. Willie Obiano who was sworn in for second term in 2017.
Mr Ejike Nwosu, one of the Conveners of the Group, said the meeting was to critically discuss the stakeholders’ choice of the best of the aspirants to endorse.
“The forum will back a PDP aspirant who has the strength, connectivity, means and programmes to win the election for the party so that the current wave of PDP victories sweeping across Nigeria will not elude Anambra.
“We are unanimously endorsing Sen. Uche Ekwunife in her aspiration to win the primary of PDP, and also win the governorship election in 2021,” he said.
Another leader of the group and PDP Chieftain, Chief Azuka Okeke, said that the zoning favoured Ekwunife more than anyone else in the party.
“Sen. Ekwunife has the rights, both constitutional and affiliates, as a true daughter of Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area, to contest for the next governor of Anambra state,” he said.
In his address, the Convener of Old Aguata Peoples Parliament, Dr Kenneth Anozie, said that it was time for PDP to take over Anambra.
He also said that Ekwunife possessed the needed credentials and the winnable attributes to represent the party.
Anozie commended other PDP aspirants for their bold steps and contributions in building and making PDP a formidable party in the state.
“The build up toward 2023 is taking shape and Anambra will not lose out in the equation for the next political era.
“We believe that Ekwunife is a credible aspirant and team player who will positively transform the state to a very enviable height,” Anozie said.
Also speaking, Mrs Bridget Obi, a woman leader from Ihiala LGA and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, said that Ekwunife had all it takes to totally transform Anambra state.
According to her, Ekwunife is a home breed and thus deeply understands the very peculiar circumstances and needs of the state.
Another Woman leader from Orumba North LGA, Dr Rose Nwankwo, commended Ekwunife for the empowerment schemes and employment opportunities for the youth of the state, irrespective of their places of origin.
“Ekwunife is a well known and successful political player with great and excellent qualities required for our party to win in the next election,” she said.
Prayers were said in support of Sen. Ekwunife’s aspiration.
(NAN)
