Obiano: Ojukwu’s Defection to APC Inconsequential

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, on Friday ruled out the possibility of reaching out to Emeka Ojukwu Jnr., who defected from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), before the November 18 governorship election, describing him as inconsequential.

“He is of no consequence, I’m sorry to say,” Obiano said.

The governor who made this remark while answering questions from journalists in the State House, Abuja, said he had visited President Muhammadu Buhari to thank him for keeping his words that he would not interfere in November 18, governorship election in Anambra State.

He described his victory as an expression of the faith and confidence that Anambra people have in him adding that he had extended the olive branch to candidates of other political parties who contested the election against him.

He said Buhari was excited that the votes of the people of Anambra counted, adding that the President remarked that such was the legacy he wanted to leave as a proponent of free and fair elections.

“Well, I thank God it is the Lord’s doing. To win 21 over 21 is not an easy task. It just showed the faith the people had in me and that is exactly why it happened and I thank Ndi Anambra for the confidence reposed on me and reassure them that this will encourage me to work harder.

“Well, we have extended olive branch to my colleagues, my friends that contested with me and as you can see, they have all congratulated me and we will hold hands and march on. You see, our private ambitions can never be greater than the interest of Anambra State. I believe we are working on well,” Obiano said.

Asked if his re-election would stimulate good relationship with his estranged former boss and predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi, who brought him into politics and helped him to become governor, Obiano swiftly retorted: “I don’t have a problem with anybody. I’m doing well. I don’t have a problem with anybody,” he said.

He also dismissed insinuations that he was contemplating defecting from APGA to APC, describing APGA as a strong party in the South-east.

“My party is very strong in the South-east and that you will see very soon in the coming elections and from there, we will march on. No. Never. That is totally unfounded. I will never leave APGA. I’m the leader and the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, and again, by God’s grace, the governor and governor-elect,” he added.

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