By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Former Central Bank Governor, Prof Charles Soludo has made the list of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) replacing his archrival, Hon. Chukwuemeka Umeoji, as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the November 6, 2021 Anambra governorship election.

INEC in a statement on Thursday said it took the decision after the Commission was served with the judgement of the Court of Appeal Kano Division which set aside the judgement of the High Court of Jigawa State on the leadership of APGA and the nomination of its candidates for the election.

Conspicuously missing from the list was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo.

A press release signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the final list of candidates will be published October 7, 2021.

The return of Soludo’s name sparked off wide jubilation in Awka, the Anambra State capital, especially at popular liquor joints.

According to one fan of the economist, “Soludo is the only candidate that turn around the fortunes of this state. He is learned, exposed, experienced and has the capacity to hold his ace.”

At the popular Aroma junction in Awka the state capital, some political appointees of the state government were seen jubilating over the news of Soludo’s inclusion in the list.

A Special Assistant to the Governor Willie Obiano on Media, Chidiebele Obika, described the news as the best in the year.

He said: “It is good omen for the party, coming just a day to the inauguration of the campaign council of APGA.

“This is to show that God’s hand is in this project. Tomorrow (Friday), the APGA campaign council to be headed by the governor Obiano will be inaugurated. This is a very heartwarming news.”