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.
He also did not reply to a text message to his mobile phone.
Meanwhile, a source in Osumenyi, the home town of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu whose name appeared in the candidate’s list for PDP said that there was visible merriment over the surprise turn.
A call to Ukachukwu, however, did not go through.
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