Supporters of Comrade Tony Nwoye, the factional candidate of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, for the November 2013 Anambra governorship election
have reacted to the surprised removal of Nwoye’s name in the list of
candidates published by INEC, Monday.
Though there was clear disappointment among citizens of the state and
especially supporters of Nwoye over the removal, Nwoye’s campaign
organization in a press briefing on Wednesday said their candidate would
bounce back.
The Director General of Tony Nwoye Campaign Organisation, Prince Ossy
Ezenwa told journalists in his campaign office that the fault of the
removal did not lie with the electoral body, INEC, as they were merely
obeying a court order.
Ezenwa said that Nwoye had directed his followers not to be disappointed
but to keep hope alive as they were sure that at the end of the day, he
would still fly the party’s flag for the election.
“Our candidate has asked us to tell his supporters that there is no cause
to be disappointed as our legal team is brainstorming on the issue now and
will come up with a position soon. This is a great opportunity to express
our gratitude to our supporters who have continued to be with us.
“Nwoye may be a young man but he is cast in the mold of Adams Oshiomhole,
as he is also a comrade himself, and as well a dogged fighter”, Ezenwa
said.
Ezenwa noted that the matter was still under appeal, as there were
processes and procedure for determination of forgery cases, the allegation
that has been made against Nwoye.
He insisted that Nwoye was duly screened and certified fit for the
election, and that he was not involved in any forgery of documents.
Meanwhile, around Anambra State, the news of the substitution of Nwoye and
Senator Andy Uba’s name for Nicholas Ukachukwu by the INEC caused what
could best be described as grief.
The matter was discussed in groups with many expressing surprise at the
sudden turn of event in the party.
A community leader and former councilor in Anambra State, Hon Christopher
Nwachukwu said no one in the party is happy with the removal of Nwoye’s
name from the list of candidates.
He said the people of the state especially youths were pleased with the
emergence of Nwoye, and anything short of him would not be good for youths
of the state.
Another respondent, Mr Ekene Azuka, a student union activist said he was
sure that since the matter was still in court, all hope was not lost as
the court had the final verdict in the matter.
He said that he was not in doubt that soon the candidacy which he believed
belonged to Nwoye, who according to him, won a free and fair primary
election would be included in the list.
The factional chairman of the party, Prince Ken Emeakayi when contacted
said he was in a meeting and would brief our correspondent on the matter
but never called back.
Pharm Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu
ICT AND COMMUNICATION UNIT
TONY NWOYE CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION
