Dr. Chike Obidigbo, one of the Governorship aspirants in the ongoing Governorship Primary Election of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the November 18, 2017 Governorship Election in Anambra State, has announced his withdrawal from the race.
The announcement was coming few hours after voting ended in the ongoing primary election holding at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, the Anambra State Capital and few hours to the announcement of the winner of the primary election.
Obidigbo who hails from Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state contested for the ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2013 but was unsuccessful as the incumbent Governor of the State, Chief Willie Obiano defeated him and others to clinch the ticket and was eventually elected Governor in 2014.
He decamped from APGA to APC to contest for the ticket in the party only to withdraw ahead of the announcement of the result, a move many believed was done to save his face from suffering another defeat.
Below is Dr. Chike Obidigbo’s address to formally withdraw from the contest.
All Is Well That Ends Well: Salute To APC Members”Being Text Of Address By The Governorship Aspirant Of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Chike Obidigbo Jp (Osisioma Igbo), Announcing His Exit From Further Participation In The Race.
My dear friends, supporters and members of APC,
I woke up this morning bubbling with joy and excitement about how have come in the process of turning around the political fortunes of our dear State, Anambra, the Light of the Nation.
Nearly one year ago, precisely in September 2016, I received a delegation of the State Executive Committee of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the State Chairman, Barrister Emeka Ibe, in my country home, Osisioma Peace Lodge, Umunya.
During that meeting, the APC delegation and Osisioma Foundation discussed on the modalities of collaboration for the socio-political progress of Anambra State. In fact, I was deeply touched when the state chairman disclosed that APC, under President Muhammadu Buhari, was ready to provide good governance to the people. And that that vision tallies with the vision and mission of Osisioma Foundation.
The APC chairman added that “our visit is also to enlighten the founder and members of Osisioma Foundation on the plans of APC towards alleviating the infrastructural decay and economic subjugation meted on Nd’Igbo and Nigerians under the 16 years of misrule and squandermania of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
He recalled that since the Supreme Court judgment on the leadership dispute in All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a lot of politicians and political parties made efforts to lure Obidigbo to their side, adding: “You have made good name your watchword; you are one of the few leaders in Anambra State with spotless integrity and honesty, please do not associate with high jumpers.”
The point I am making is that after joining the APC, which I recognized as the one political party that has the capacity to serve and deliver dividends of democracy for the interest of the people, I am glad to say we are justified in our estimation of the party.
It is true that I joined the race to contest the governorship ticket of APC, but as I keep stating ever since my zone adopted me as the consensus choice for the position in 2013, our mission is not borne out of desperation, but sincere and genuine intention to touch lives.
I stated and still believe that Anambra State, known as the Light of the Nation; is blessed with abundant resources, including resourceful men and women and that now is the time to make these jewels scattered across the entire globe like sheep without shepherd, to start identifying with their father land.
My mission in politics is also propelled by the fact that as a state, we should not accept a situation where the people, particularly women and youth, are excluded from politics and governance.
My ambition, both in business and politics, is fired by a strong focus on youth. I believe that all levels of governance, women and youths should be encouraged and allowed to take active part in leadership, to discuss and try to solve challenges of development.
I am happy that all through, my messages revolved around the socio-economic and political empowerment of these critical segments of our state and national population. As we campaigned for the governorship ticket under APC, we harped on those issues as well as the need for decorum and brotherly love in electioneering.
I do not believe that search for public office should be driven by desperation, draconian styles or subtle exertion of undue pressures on the system to appropriate undue advantages. This understanding moderated my every move and competition for the endorsement of the delegates.
After crisscrossing the 326 wards and 177 towns of Anambra State over the past five (5) years, and having consulted with my political associates, friends and family, I have come to the inevitable conclusion that we have made our voice heard.
It is therefore with mixed feelings, but immense gratitude to God, that I hereby announce my voluntary withdrawal from further participation in the APC governorship race. It was not easy taking this decision, but I am convinced that it is the best thing to do in the present circumstance to ensure that our party reaps the benefit of a sizeable number of aspirants.
I hope in the near future political parties would move from delegate system to direct primary election in the selection of their candidates. APC is a great party and I believe it has learned a lot from years in opposition. I have always said that opposition helps to sharpen the instincts of a good leader and guides him to think, plan and perform better.
APC will bring much dividends to Southeast and I am convinced that joining the party serves the best interest of Nd’Igbo, because at the long run it would put us in the best position to neutralize the negative impacts of marginalization. And if we elect quality representatives to the National Assembly, it would ensure that Nd’Igbo gets their fair share from our commonwealth.
As I bow out of the 2017 governorship race, I urge the remaining contestants to play politics of civility, statesmanship and brotherliness. This will go a long way to douse the unimaginable political tension in the state.
The consciousness that only one person would emerge as our governorship flag bearer, should encourage the gladiators to play it cool, especially against the fact that the support of all for members would be needed to win the November 18 election.
As I wish the party and my former fellow aspirants the best. I enjoin all of us to always bear in mind that God is in control of every man’s destiny, and our faith teaches us to pursue peace with all men and seek the will of God always.
In the next few hours, I will be following up this decision in meetings with colleagues, supporters, friends and well wishers to convey my heartfelt appreciation and best wishes. It has been a wonderful experience and we march to the future with hope and inner conviction of our belief in politics that touch the lives of our people.
Thank you and God bless Anambra State.
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