Anambra All Progressives Congress aspirant, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has vowed to rescue the state from further decline, describing his governorship bid as a mission to save the state from its current challenges.
Okonkwo made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja after receiving the N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms, which were secured for him by the Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change.
Since announcing his intention to contest the governorship, Okonkwo claimed that incumbent Governor Charles Soludo fears his candidacy, stating, “He (Soludo) knows I am the candidate to beat.” Okonkwo, who also chairs the United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited, alleged that the Governor has been actively trying to prevent him from securing the APC governorship ticket.
Expressing gratitude for the coalition’s support in purchasing the nomination forms, Okonkwo assured the group, the APC, and the people of Anambra that he would not disappoint them if he emerges victorious in the November election. He said, “You have just presented to me a great gift of N50 million. As you can see, I am full of smiles. I would have said, I wasn’t expecting this but knowing that I am not in this race alone, there are a lot of people who have made up their minds that whatever is happening in Anambra State isn’t the way to go, particularly with the issue of insecurity.”
He further added, “I am encouraged. If there is any doubt, I now know these people are going to match their words with action. They are beside me. With what you have done today, you are those who are beside me. I thank you very much for what you have done. Where this fund came, may God replenish you.”
Addressing those who have not joined the coalition, Okonkwo issued a call to action, stating, “For those who haven’t joined this coalition, this is a wake-up call. We will do justice to rescue Anambra from a man who knows all, who takes no advice.”
Okonkwo expressed confidence that the support he has received is a reflection of the coalition’s trust in his ability to govern the state. He noted that while significant resources are being invested to block his path, he remains undeterred. “We are aware of the huge amount being thrown around to ensure that I don’t get the ticket. He (Soludo) knows he can’t square up with me on election day. I have picked the form, I am prepared for the battle.”
He called on traditional institutions and religious leaders to rally behind his campaign, emphasizing, “We may not have the control of having the ticket but we know that with the ticket in our hands, we will secure landslide victory for APC.”
Okonkwo, who hails from Anambra Central, asserted that the votes are secure in Ndemili North, where he is a leader. He expressed further confidence in his chances, recalling that in the last general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured the highest votes from his constituency.
He also highlighted his history of political leadership, noting, “I am from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria and I led the campaign that produced Dr. Chris Ngige as Senator. I led the same campaign that produced six house of assembly members in Anambra. I am back to produce the first APC Governor in Anambra.”
Looking ahead to the election, Okonkwo stated that he already has support from seven local councils and plans to collaborate with Anambra South and North to deliver Anambra for APC.
Chief Ndubuisi Ezeani, leader of the Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change, explained that the group’s decision to purchase the nomination forms was driven by their belief in Okonkwo’s ability to change the governance narrative in the state. “We took the decision to buy the form. Anambra is always first. We need an individual that has the track record, the pedigree to develop our state. We have settled for Chief Okonkwo.”
Ezeani further noted, “We know that he is a very comfortable person. We know he can buy the form but we are persuading him, to encourage him. We bought the form to show our seriousness. This is just a step, many other activities will follow before the primary and we are sure that he will win.”
