More concern for Soludo, as NASS members, others endorse Ozigbo for Anambra 2025

Stakeholders from Anambra Central Senatorial zone, Friday, endorsed another retired banker and successful hotelier, Mr Valentine Ozigbo for 2025 governorship election.

Ozigbo, who was the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2021, is currently a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), the only political party whose existence make the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and governor Chukwuma Soludo jittery since 2023.

His recent comments on how Soludo who hails from the same Local Government Area (Aguata LGA) with him was running the State aground led to several criticism and counter claims from the governor’s routine of aides. 

They spoke highly of Ozigbo, assuring that they were confident that if he emerged in the upcoming election, he would run the best government in the history of Anambra State. 

According to Prof Chinyere Okunna, Peter Obi’s former Chief of Staff and current Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul’s University, “Val’s character is 100% and this is what makes him fit and proper for this job. Some erroneously think that by being humane, civilised and gentlemanly, you are weak in politics, but these are actually his greatest strengths. Anambra needs someone who is emotionally intelligent and can connect with people, just like HE Peter Obi is known for, and this is what stands Val apart,”

Hon. George Ozodinobi (Aja aja Nze), the Minority Whip of the 8th Assembly and House of Representative member representing Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha federal constituency, said that his primary responsibility is to make sure that he galvanizes delegates and voters in his constituency towards success at the polls. He also said he would align with our National Leader and others to ensure harmony as this is what the party needs to win the election. He promises to lead the battle in his federal constituency. 

Hon. Prof. Lillian Oby Orogbu, Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, also expressed confidence in the movement, she extolled VCO’s leadership qualities and emphasised the need for Labour Party to come together and support Mr Valentine Ozigbo who is a clearly grassroots favourite. She also acknowledged the fact that engagements from social media have shown that Mr. Val has overwhelming momentum already. She assured members of her constituency of continued quality representation. 

Furthermore, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, Member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency said that Valentine Ozigbo is a mentor, counselor and more qualified than other candidates.

Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, a Member representing Idemili North in the Anambra State House of Assembly, stated that Gov. Soludo thinks he is only an APGA Governor and not an Anambra Governor which led to the marginalisation of constituencies not represented by his party. With this, clearly, Prof. Soludo could not possibly deserve a second term.

Hon. Nigeria Henry Mbachu, Member representing Awka South 1 constituency, stated clearly that the same way a man chooses a wife is the same way he has chosen Valentine Ozigbo to support. He assured Valentine Ozigbo that he would leave no stone unturned to make sure he emerged the next Governor of the state.

Other leaders of other parties were equally there, including Dr. C.C. Okeke of PDP who in his remarks stated that the reason he honoured this meeting was because of his love for VCO. 

Many other stakeholders present include Ike Dunukofia (Onwa Ifitedunu) who is also a BOT Member of APGA, Barr. Joe Martins Uzodike, Chief Felix Oli, who was represented by his son, Dr Frank Oli, and many others.

Other political leaders present were Chief Ugochukwu Emeh, Anambra State Chairman of Labour Party, Hon. Ferdinand Onwuje, Anambra State House of Assembly Candidate for Awka North; Chief IK Obieki and Sir. Obinna Anekwe, both Leaders in Njikoka Local Government; Sir. Chukwudi Okeke (Ichie Ikpoaku na Ukpo) who was DG for Senator Victor Umeh’s Campaign Organisation, Chief Obiorah Anueyiagu and Amb Justin Kingland, both leaders of the Obidient groups in Anambra, and several other political leaders.

In a speech, Ozigbo thanked the stakeholders and good people of Anambra Central for coming out en masse despite short notice and from across various parties, assuring that he would lead the State to a more enviable height and for only one term of four years if voted to power.

He said he would surely hand over to another competent candidate from Anambra Central, because according to him, four years would be enough for any serious government to impact lives positively just like what Gov Alex Otti is already demonstrating in Abia State.

“Anambra State under me as governor would be repositioned and transformed to an enviable height within four years because of my competence, leadership quality, and proven records of excellence.

“As an advocate of zoning, I will honour the principles of zoning, I’ll transform Anambra State within four years, and hand it over to any other competent person from Anambra Central. I am a man of integrity, ” Ozigbo added.”