Top APC Aspirant, Obiora Okonkwo, Withdraws From Anambra Governorship Race

Okonkwo withdraws over concerns for supporters’ safety, party issues.
Reaffirms loyalty to President Tinubu, vows public service commitment.
Race now between Ukachukwu, Ozigbo, Onunkwo, and Madu.

A leading aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Anambra State, Obiora Okonkwo, has withdrawn from the race, citing concerns over developments that he said were inconsistent with his principles and the safety of his supporters.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a letter addressed to his supporters, Okonkwo described the decision as “difficult but necessary,” explaining that after careful evaluation, he could no longer continue his bid for the party’s governorship ticket. He stressed that the risks to his supporters’ lives were too significant to ignore.

“After a careful evaluation and reflection on the current state of the All Progressives Congress primary election process in Anambra State, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship ticket,” he wrote.

“This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters, among others,” Okonkwo added.

Although he did not specify the particular issues that triggered his withdrawal, he emphasized that the safety of his supporters remained paramount.

Despite stepping down, Okonkwo reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria. He also pledged his continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and vowed to contribute to the country’s socio-economic and political advancement.

“My passion for public service remains strong, and I will continue contributing to the socio-economic and political development of Anambra State and our country, Nigeria,” he said.

“I will also continue to help in ways I can towards the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s development programmes and the economic growth of our country for the good of our countrymen and women.”

Okonkwo expressed gratitude to his political associates, stakeholders, and supporters for their unwavering trust and solidarity throughout his campaign, adding that the experience had allowed him to connect with committed and passionate citizens of Anambra.

Okonkwo Withdraws From Anambra Governorship Race

Before Okonkwo’s withdrawal, two other aspirants, Chukwuma Umeoji, a former member of the House of Representatives, and Paul Chukwuma, had also pulled out of the APC primary race, citing consultations and internal disagreements.

Following the withdrawals, the contest now remains open to Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former federal lawmaker; Valentine Ozigbo, the PDP candidate in the 2021 governorship election; Johnbosco Onunkwo; and Edozie Madu.