Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha
By Charles Ajunwa
The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has declared that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would field a presidential candidate in the 2015 general election.
Though he did not rule out possible alliance with other political parties before the presidential election, Okorocha said what informed the decision of APGA to present a presidential candidate come 2015 is to ensure that the party is not in any way de-registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Every political party has the right to produce a presidential candidate. So, nobody can deny any party that right. Any party that is not able to produce a presidential candidate should be de-registered,” he warned.
He also maintained that he has a cordial relationship with the Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, noting that there is no quarrel or disagreement between them. “I am very close to Obi. He is a brother to me. I also accord him the honour of being in APGA before me. I am just a newcomer. All I do is to give advice,” he said.
Okorocha, who also described as false the reports that the Igbo are being alienated from the 2015 presidency, said the Igbo are the ones alienating themselves from the race.
“Nigerians are not alienating the South-east from that race, instead, Ndigbo are alienating themselves from the race. They have not developed enough confidence in pursuing the cause. They have not taken it as a business,” he said.
Okorocha, who agreed that the Igbo leaders are gradually developing the necessary confidence to take a shot at the presidency, implored Ndigbo to work towards presenting to the rest of the country a capable candidate.