Chief Great Ogboru has clinched the governorship ticket of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Delta.
Ogboru picked the party’s ticket after an affirmation vote at the primary election held on Sunday at Effurun in the Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The governorship aspirant polled a total of 618 votes from the 625 accredited party’s delegates across the state, while seven votes were voided in an exercise which was described as peaceful.
Chairman of the five-man State Special Electoral Panel, Elder Enemokwu Afamefune, after announcing the results, declared Ogboru as the party’s flag bearer for the 2023 governorship election.
“God, in His infinite mercy, has now hearkened to the yearning and desire of the masses for a subtle and better life in Delta.
“I refer to Ogboru as he who is to come to APGA and he has come to liberate the people of Delta from political bondage,” Afamefune said.
Responding to the victory, Ogboru thanked the people for waiting patiently for the successful conduct of the primary election.
“I am immensely and eternally grateful to all of you.
“Suffice it to say that we know that if there is an election in Delta, an election so properly called in the terms of the word, we must win,” Ogboru said.
He promised an all-inclusive government in the state if elected governor.
Messrs George Timinimi and Peters Omaruaye picked the Delta South and Delta Central Senatorial Districts’ tickets respectively.
Ex Information minister, Nweke, emerges Enugu APGA Governorship Flag-bearer
Meanwhile, former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke, has emerged as the Governorship Flag-bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Enugu State.
Nweke’s emergence on Sunday in Enugu followed the successful governorship primary election organised by the party’s Electoral Committee, led by Chief Uchenna Okagbue.
The former minister polled a total of 273 votes out of 555 votes cast during the exercise, monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to defeat his closest rival, Chief Jeff Nnamani, who polled 267 votes.
Other aspirants, who trailed behind, included: Mr Uchenna Nwegbo, who polled nine votes; Rev Donatus Obi-Ozoemena, four votes, and Mr Donatus Udeh, two votes.
Declaring Nweke the winner, Okagbue commended the aspirants for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner throughout the process.
“I will also appreciate the delegates for their patience and discipline throughout the whole process as well,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Nweke thanked the state’s electoral committee and party delegates for conducting a peaceful and credible election.
He noted that his major concern was the development of Enugu State, and its repositioning on the path of growth and all round development.
He said: “I will run an inclusive campaign to redeem our state, and I passionately appeal to other aspirants to support the APGA movement to take over Enugu State Government affairs by 2023.
“Our business is to take over Enugu State government. This victory, which is for the party, is just one step towards taking over government in Enugu State.
“We will march forward towards achieving this feat. We know that the next nine months before the election will be challenging, but with your prayers and support, we shall get there and conquer,” he said.
A total of 555 delegates voted in the primary election, and there was no void vote in the entire votes cast.
2023: University chancellor emerges Abia APGA guber candidate
Also, the Founder and Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Greg Ibe, has emerged as the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the 2023 general elections in Abia.
Ibe polled 283 votes to defeat other contestants, including his closest rival, Mr Etigwe Uwa (SAN), who scored 148 votes.
The two other contestants, Gen. Ijioma Ijioma (rtd.) and Chikwe Udensi scored 36 votes and 13 votes, respectively.
In an acceptance speech, Ibe extended a hand of fellowship to his co-contestants, saying “there is no Victor, no vanquished.”
He urged them to join him in the onerous task of salvaging Abia from imminent collapse.
“As we begin the final journey of redeeming Abia, my doors remain open to receive those unique ideas that can help us to realise the new Abia of our dream.
“Umunnem (my brothers), today is a good day to be an Abia citizen.
“I want to profoundly appreciate Abia people in general for their patience and prayers so far.
“I assure you that God has heard our collective prayers and has commenced the salvation of our state,” Ibe said.
He appealed to everyone to join the struggle to re-write the story of the state, notwithstanding their party affiliations and personal interest.
“As the lamentation of Abia people for 24 years comes to an end shortly, I implore you to weep no more for I see in the horizon, a brand new Abia,” Ibe said.
Announcing the result, the Returning Officer, Mr Echezona Etioba, said that accredited voters were 482 and that three votes were voided.
While Uwa congratulated Ibe at the end of the exercise, Ijioma expressed reservations over the result. He alleged some discrepancies and said that he would challenge the outcome.
The congress, which took place at Kolpin Society, Umuahia under heavy security, was rancour-free.
