The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, expressed confidence that it would win the November 8 governorship election in Anambra. 

The national chairman of the party, Nentawe Yilwatda, stated this at a national campaign rally for APC governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Sen. Uche Ekwunife in Onitsha.

Mr Yilwatda, who handed over the party’s flag and its symbol, broom, to the candidates, described APC as a “messenger of hope.”

The chairman said change was possible in Anambra with “hope that in the next eight days, APC will uproot APGA in the state.”

“We have only 196 hours for APGA to end its reign in Anambra.

“In eight days, there will be no governor in Nigeria that will bear the name APGA,” he noted.

He said under APGA, the state which was known for business had lost its place in commerce while many youths were jobless.

According to him, the roads and schools in the state need to be fixed.

He said the nation’s economy had improved under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the president, but noted that it would be better for the state under an APC governor.

“Anambra is too important in Igbo land to leave in the hands of the opposition. We are taking it back in eight days,” he said.

In a speech, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that the state, being the only party in APGA, “will no longer be alone.”

“My message in Anambra today is to let you know that you shall not walk alone.

“An adopted son is not the same as a biological son.

“Today, we have come to Anambra to campaign for Ukachukwu and Ekwunife.

“Ndigbo henceforth shall never walk alone. They will be at the center,” he stated.

Mr Akpabio described APC headed by President Bola Tinubu as a “mother hen, spreading his wings and covering his children in Nigeria.”

He said the South East Development Commission would empower and rebuild the South-East.

He emphasised the need for the Igbo people which he described as “enterprising” to vote en masse for the party that would offer them more opportunities politically.

Speaking on behalf of the APC Governors’ Forum, the 

chairman, Hope Uzodimma, commended the party faithful for their commitment and conduct during the rally in spite of the rainfall that nearly marred the event.

“APC is not known for violence, so as you go about your campaign in this election, I want you to shun violence, conduct yourselves and give INEC freehand to conduct the election.

“There will be a free and fair election and nobody will stop you from casting your votes,” he said.

He further assured the supporters that their votes would count while security would be provided for all.

“We are here to protect democracy. We will be better if our democracy is protected,” he added.

The party’s stakeholders had earlier paid homage to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, who offered his blessings to the candidates before proceeding to the rally. 

(NAN)