Anambra Group Presents APC Nomination Forms to Guber Aspirant Prof. Obiora Okonkwo
A political support group under the aegis of Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change, has presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to Professor Obiora Okonkwo, urging him to contest in the November 8 gubernatorial election.
Speaking at the event in Abuja on Wednesday, Okonkwo, a chieftain of the APC and Founder of the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed concern over the rising insecurity in Anambra State, which he said has crippled economic activities.
Okonkwo accused the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, of failing to address the security situation and attempting to undermine his political ambition. He alleged that Soludo has become uneasy since he declared his intention to contest under the APC.
“There is no more nightlife in Anambra. By 6 pm, everywhere is shut down, and nightlife contributes about 50 percent to the economy. Since Soludo has been calling on the people to jettison the so-called sit-at-home, nobody has listened to him. The louder his call, the further the people go away,” Okonkwo stated.
He further claimed that political maneuvers were being made in Abuja to prevent him from securing the APC ticket.
“We are aware of huge amounts of money being thrown around just to ensure that I do not get the party ticket because Soludo is afraid, not just to meet me in the campaigns but even to square up with me on election day,” he alleged.
Earlier, Chief Cyril Ndubuisi Ezeani, leader of the Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change, criticized Governor Soludo for launching the Agunechemba Security Corps close to the election period, describing it as a political strategy rather than a genuine effort to tackle insecurity.
“Why did Soludo wait until the eve of the election to address insecurity? What stops a professor who has stayed nearly three years doing nothing from suddenly waking up to set up Agunechemba? It is a political gimmick,” Ezeani argued.
He maintained that the security situation in Anambra State has worsened under Soludo’s leadership, adding that businesses in Onitsha and Nnewi need a secure environment to thrive.
Ezeani expressed confidence that Okonkwo, who is also the founder and chairman of United Airlines, would tackle insecurity and create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish if elected governor.