Victor EzejaWITH the publication of final list of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday 7th October 2021, the stage is getting set for the final showdown in the polling booth over who will take over the rein of government in Anambra State for the next administration.
Corporate titan, Valentine Ozigbo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will slug it out with 17 other candidates in the November 6 Anambra gubernatorial election.
According to a statement by INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, publication of the final list of candidates for the election was in line with the timetable and schedule of activities, the commission earlier created for the election.
Among the top contenders are PDP’s Valentine Ozigbo, APGA’s Charles Chukwuma Soludo, APC’s Andy Uba, YPP’s Ifeanyi Ubah, ZLP’s Obiora Okonkwo and Accord Party’s Godwin Maduka.
Others are: Labour Party’s Obiora Agbasimelo, AA’s Bennet Etiaba, AAC’s Chidozie Nwankwo, ADC’s Akachukwu Nwankpo, ADP’s Afam Ume-ezeoke, APM’s Geoffrey Onyejegbu, APP’s Philip Echetebu, BOOT Party’s Okeke Chika Jerry, NNPP’s Ohajinkpo Leonard, NRM’s Afam Ezenwafor, PRP’s Nnamdi Nwawuo, and SDP’s Obinna Uzoh.
Reacting to the publication by INEC, Ozigbo said, with the publication of INEC’s final list of candidates the coast is now clear for both him and his detractors who were bent on making sure his name didn’t appear in the list, but God’s favour is with him on the campaign goal which is “Ka Anambra Chawapu project.”
Ozigbo said that drawing from a well-informed analysis of the political scenario, he is very optimistic that his party stands high chances of winning the election despite some incidents of defections, adding that they still retain “the comparative advantage of the grassroots.”
“Our team is more resolute because we know the hope of ndị Anambra lies on us. We are going to spare nothing to ensure we get it right at the grassroots and win this election. There will be a better story to tell at the end,” He asserted.
Ozigbo emerged as the PDP candidate after scoring majority of the votes in the primary election held in Awka on June 26, 2021. Since his emergence, his candidacy has continued to inspire Ndi Anambra at home and abroad, thereby growing the Ka Anambra Chawapu movement to one of the most formidable political forces in the country.
On July 2021, he announced Mrs Azuka Enemo, a seasoned public administrator and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as his running mate.
Both are uniquely placed to leverage their networks, provide the humble, down-to-earth leadership that will build the enabling environment for the total transformation of Anambra state.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
Follow Us