I’ve not dumped APGA, says Gov Obiano

Nkiru Nwagbo, Awka

Anambra State government has expressed dismay at the claims in some quarters that Governor Willie Obiano has defected to another political party. The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Chief C. Don Adinuba, who spoke to Journalists in Awka, on Thursday, said that their investigation revealed that those who have been spreading the rumour were agents of “two of the three leading political parties in Nigeria, namely, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).” Adinuba stated that the reports which have become trending on the social media was completely falsehood, insisting that Governor Obiano remains the National Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Chairman of the Party’s Board of Trustees (BOT). He observed that as a result of Governor Obiano’s tremendous popularity and effective leadership, various political forces in Nigeria have devised all kinds of methods to gain his support and enhance their chances of winning the forthcoming election. Adinuba said: “He has in the last few weeks been campaigning vigorously for APGA’s candidates in the forthcoming general polls, including General John Gbor, the party’s presidential candidate. He has been consistent in telling the immensely huge crowds of supporters wherever he has been to vote for only APGA candidates. He has never asked Anambra people to vote APGA candidates in some elections and candidates of some other party or parties in another election. “Once again, the Anambra State Government wants to reiterate Governor Obiano’s policy of Constructive Engagement, as opposed to Confrontation, in his relationship with people, groups and institutions. This policy means that much as there are differences in political perspective with those who belong to parties other than his own APGA, whether at the local or national level, we must maintain a friendly disposition to all. “This policy has been of tremendous benefit to Ndi Anambra, as our state remains the most peaceful and stable in the whole country. Not even during the last major election in the state was violence reported anywhere. Defeated candidates rather accepted the people’s verdict, congratulated Chief Obiano who won by a landslide in each of the 21 LGAs in the state. At his second inauguration on March 18, 2017, some of the candidates who contested against Chief Obiano attended to show solidarity with him. This is an unprecedented record in Nigeria’s political history. “Governor Obiano is satisfied with the great trust which both Ndi Anambra and APGA members repose in him, which has enabled him to render useful service to the Nigerian people. He has no intention to leave APGA and join another party. He will continue to use APGA as a vehicle for tremendous mobilization and service to God and humanity” he added.