APGA faction picks torchbearer for Anambra poll

The Maxi Okwu-led faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Monday in Awka, capital of the eastern Nigerian state of Anambra, chose Dr Chike Obidigbo as its flagbearer at the forthcoming Anambra governorship election.

Obidigbo was picked at a special congress of the faction, which was attended by no fewer than 450 delegates and where he was the sole aspirant in the race.

Last week, Chief Willie Obiano was chosen as the party’s flagbearer by the faction led by Chief Victor Umeh.

Speaking at Monday’s congress, Chief Chris Eze, Chairman of the faction’s Screening Committee, said the party had come out with “a most qualified and well-known candidate’’.

He said Obidigbo was returned unopposed with a score of 450 votes, and Okwu later handed the party’s flag to him.

Commending the delegates for their large turnout, Okwu expressed the confidence that the flagbearer would win the governorship election on Nov. 16 in the state.

“Obidigbo will take over the mantle from Gov. Peter Obi. It is my honour to present the flag to you to fly it high,’’ he said.

In his reaction, Obidigbo said APGA was one indivisible political party.

He however commended Gov. Peter Obi for “the good job he had done to lift the state to enviable heights’’.

The flagbearer urged the party faithful from various parts of the state to work harder to deliver the state to the party during the election.

“I will not disappoint you if you vote for me during the gubernatorial election on Nov. 16 to take over from Obi in 2014,’’ Obidigbo assured.