With less than 24 hours to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP primary election for National Assembly positions, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State appears to have sacrificed his former aids on the altar of a reported truce between him and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
Some members of Chime’s kitchen cabinet, including his former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, had few weeks back resigned their positions to enable them participate in the PDP primary election.
It was widely believed that they had the blessing of the Governor to run for the offices of their choice. But following the reported reconciliation between Chime and Ekweremadu, the former is said to have asked his aides to withdraw from the race.
However, making their positions known at different fora on Friday, those affected by the development said they were going ahead to seek the people’s mandate.
One of them, Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede, who prior to recent developments, was known to be Chime’s preferred candidate for the Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, said his ambition remained on course.
Ugwuegede resigned as the commissioner for Enugu Capital Territory.
Speaking through his campaign organization, he noted that “I want to inform my supporters that my aspiration is still very much on course.
“We urge our supporters and delegates to remain faithful and assure them that with their support, success and victory will be ours at the polls. Be not dismayed or discouraged by anybody.
“Ensure that you participate at the PDP primaries taking place at the Government Field Nsukka. Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede is tested and trusted. He is reliable, of impeccable integrity and strength of character”.
Although Ugwuegede remained silent on the recent political developments in the State, he urged PDP delegates to judge him by his performances first as a Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Implementation and Development and as a Commissioner.
“I don’t to talk about any other aspirant or any decision any where; all I am saying is that PDP has a process for election; we have passed the stages of purchasing and completion of form, screening and then we ready for the final stage, which is the primary election. I am the candidate that will not disappoint our people”, he maintained.
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