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The Anambra State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is ready to give equal opportunity to all the aspirants for the senatorial seat of Anambra Central during its forthcoming primaries to select a candidate for the re-run election.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu had on December 7, 2015 nullified the election of Hon. Mrs. Uche Ekwunife of PDP following an appeal filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and former national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh. The appellate court ordered for a rerun within 90 days of the verdict.
Addressing stakeholders of PDP at its state secretariat in Awka on Monday, the State Chairman, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, said the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP has scheduled congresses to address the issue raised by the judgment of the Court of Appeal regarding the nomination of the party’s candidate for the election.
In his words, “Though Uche Ekwunife has the right of offer of first refusal, which can only be rejected or ratified by the senatorial congress, this is without prejudice to the right of any other member of our great party from Anambra Central Senatorial District to present himself or herself to contest and participate in the exercise, and allowing members of PDP in Anambra Central to exercise their franchise in line with the provisions of the PDP constitution, as amended.”
Emeakayi said that for the avoidance of doubt, PDP remained the party to beat in the fresh election. He stated that despite what he described as the deliberate misrepresentation and misinterpretation of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, the party would deploy all constitutional instruments and legitimate means to reclaim the senatorial seat.
“Neither Ekwunife nor PDP was disqualified to participate in the re-run election by the Court of Appeal as being peddled in some quarters. I urge members of the party to go into the field and begin their mobilisation to ensure the success of PDP in the election,” Emeakayi said.
•Photo shows Uche Ekwunife.
