After making some failed moves to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, may have decided to remain with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and has finally ended his ambition to become the Governor of Enugu State in 2023.
Ekweremmadu, whose move to join the APC at the state level was rejected as disclosed by the State chairman of the party, Ugo Agballah, was also brought to the National secretariat of the party by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, where he held a marathon meeting with the national chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu
Agballah disclosed that the former Deputy Senate President’s quest to join the APC was rejected because he insisted that the party must cede its governorship to him
Ekweremmadu on Thursday, issued a personal statement where he congratulated the winner of the Enugu PDP governorship primary, Mr. Peter Mbah.
He also announce that he has quit the governorship race, and called for a united force ahead of the 2023 elections.
Ekweremmadu’s statement reads, “Ndi Enugu, in the last two years, we set out to run for the governorship of Enugu State. Our mission was to change the narrative in the governance of our state and possibly inspire other states in the delivery of impressive governance. Our hope was that this would lead to a total recalibration of governance in Nigeria with Enugu State as a starting point and model.
“Within the period, we set up a platform with a grassroots base. We named it Oganiru Ndi Enugu. It was duly registered. We received 77 support groups, which showed uncommon support to our mission.
“We were determined to provide jobs to our people to keep them from the temptation to commit crime and enhance their wellbeing as well as secure their future and the future of their children. Our solution was to build at least two industries in each of our local governments in four years. Our economy would have changed forever.
“We were ready to deliver world-class education to our people. We promised to run a 24-hour governance that would enhance service delivery. We were prepared to make Enugu people proud again.
“Unfortunately, as we were doing these, some of our compatriots were busy conspiring and planting landmines to frustrate our rescue and transformation mission. We have witnessed betrayals and high level of ingratitude on this journey. Yet we remained focused.”
The former Deputy Senate President, who hailed Ikeoha campaign team, for a good fight for the ticket, noted further, “after consulting widely with the elders of our party as well as well meaning friends and respected elders across the country and beyond;
“After a long and painstaking introspection on our contributions to the development of the PDP, after considering the current security situation in the South East region and the need not to put anybody in harms way by a foreseeable combustive political environment, as my ambition is not worth the life of any Enugu son or daughter;
“After considering that the things that hold us together as Ndi Enugu will ultimately outlive the treacheries of the moment;
“After receiving assurances from the gubernatorial candidate of our party, Barr. Peter Mba, that he would integrate our “Pathway to a New Enugu State” in his programme and his assurances of the participation of everybody in his campaign team and government;
“I, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, hereby formally withdraw from the 2023 gubernatorial contest in Enugu State. I congratulate Barr. Peter Mba and wish him success.” He said
