Despite winning the primary election organised by the faction of the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and backing it up with several court victories, Senator Andy Uba was yesterday sensationally dropped from the November 16 Anambra State governorship election.

INEC in a statement signed by its Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kayode Idowu, named Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the PDP candidate. Whereas Senator Uba picked the ticket at the primary conducted by the Ejike Oguebego faction, Ukachukwu had come second behind Dr. Tony Nwoye during the primary organised by Prince Kenneth Emeakayi’s faction recognised by PDP National Secretariat but disowned by INEC. Even so, INEC decided to accept Ukachukwu based on a court ruling disqualifying Nwoye.

The statement reads, “In line with the provisions of Section 31 (3) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has today, September 24th, 2013, published the Form CF001 (Personal Particulars of Candidate) of candidates nominated by political parties for the November 16th Governorship Election in Anambra State. The comprehensive list as signed by the Secretary to the Commission is attached and has been placed on the Commission’s website.

“A total of 23 political parties nominated candidates for the governorship and deputy governorship slots. Two political parties, namely the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had issues with the candidates they intend to sponsor before the closure of nominations on September 17th, 2013. But the Federal High Court in Awka eased the contention over APGA’s nomination by vacating its order directing the Commission to accept two governorship candidates from the party.

“For the PDP, the Commission resolved to list Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu as the governorship candidate in accordance with the latest order as delivered by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/296/2013 – Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu vs. Dr. Tony Nwoye & 3 Ors.

“The Commission hereby advises political parties and their members that only those on the list published by it are allowed to conduct electioneering campaigns. Any violation of this rule amounts to an electoral offence and security agencies are urged to intervene as such.”

Chief Willie Obiano of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Senator Chris Ngige of the All Progressives Congress (APC) top the list of candidates for the election.

•Photo shows Andy Uba.

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