The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has presented Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe, the first daughter of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, as his running mate for the November 18, 2017 election in Anambra State.

Unveiling Onyemelukwe on Wednesday at the PDP Secretariat at Udoka, Awka, Anambra State capital, Obaze said her choice was in compliance with provisions of Section 187(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) as well as his commitment to gender mainstreaming.

He added that his choice of a female running mate was hinged on women empowerment and a 60/40 ratio for political appointments.

According to Obaze, he painstakingly consulted for three weeks with his family, the PDP hierarchy, before selecting her from a shortlist of eminently qualified PDP faithful.

His address reads in part: “In accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Guidelines of our great party, as well as the INEC Guidelines, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe’s candidature along with mine, has been duly submitted to INEC, through the National Caretaker Committee (NCC).

“The association between Lady Chidi’s family and mine goes a long way back; and to my earliest childhood memories.

“More importantly, Lady Chidi comes to this state and national assignment with rich personal accomplishments, impeccable credentials and high pedigree.

“A learned person, she is a Lady of the Anglican Communion, Enugu Dioceses and the first daughter of former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.

“As deputy governor, Chidi will be my partner in turning Anambra State around and returning her to the trajectory, where the state is not just working, but will be an example that other states must seek to emulate.

“I look forward to our collaboration and shared responsibilities in delivering good governance and dividends of democracy to our people in Anambra State.”

Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe is a graduate of Law from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. She bagged a Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Lagos and Duquesne University, Pittsburg in the United States, respectively.

She had a stint as an Adjunct Professor of Finance in Florida, USA. Currently, as a private citizen, her focus has been in Real Estate Law Practice and International Business.

Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe served as the Chairman, Board of Directors, Federal Housing Authority, and also as Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

She is married to Prof. Okey Onyemelukwe of Nnewichi, Nnewi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Their union is blessed with five children.

Obaze said: “Her experience on Small and Medium scale enterprises is vital to our vision of creating employment for our large number of teeming youths and also for women empowerment.

“I am glad about these qualities that she is bringing on board and I must say it’s a privilege to have her on our team. She is certainly among the very best, because Anambra deserves the best.”

Responding, Lady Onyemelukwe decried how Anambra State that produced great Nigerians has degenerated.

She said the time has come for the cream of the crop who have nothing to lose, but have a lot to offer, to step out of their comfort zones and join hands in returning Anambra to where it used to be.

Her words: “The Augean stables need to be cleaned out. Simply put, I believe that those who have nothing to lose, but who have a lot to offer, should step out of their comfort zones; step up to the plate and put hearts, minds, and intellect together, to build Anambra State that we can all be proud off.

“It’s time for us to bring out our best eleven to build an Anambra State that our own children will be proud to live in and be proud of. It’s time for all of us to join in building a robust state.

“Our promise to Anambra people is that we will selflessly give all that we have without trusting in arm or flesh. Obaze is a gentleman and the best candidate for the job.”