There was jubilation yesterday in Anambra State as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Victor Umeh, defeated his rival, Chief Maxi Okwu at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Reacting to the judgement, immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, described Umeh’s victory as the ‘will of God and His design to bring lasting peace to APGA’.

On their part, APGA members in Anambra went wild in jubilation upon learning that their chairman, whom they described as ‘political bulldozer’, had been reaffirmed by another Appeal Court.

At the Government House in Awka, the mood was cheerful, as people, especially members of the APGA family, gathered to discuss the judgment, which they said had doused tension in the state.

Ex-Governor Obi, who described APGA as a party that had the capacity to give voice to the Igbo, called on “all factions to see the judgement as God’s design and an opportunity for members of APGA’s family to support Umeh in the re-building of APGA.”

He insisted that the party would win most votes in the South-East in the forthcoming elections, adding that members of APGA must come together as brothers and sisters for the feat to be achieved.

Obi debunked the rumour that he planned to quit APGA, noting that the speculation had been on in the past five years. He wondered why the peddlers of the rumour had not become tired of spreading it.

Quoting the philosopher, Gabriel Marcel, Obi said: “A man who believes in nothing and a man who depends on nothing is a man without connection.”

Also reacting to the judgement, the member representing Oyi Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Vivian Okadigbo, described it as APGA’s victory and a victory for justice.

Also, the Chairman of Idemili South, Prince Henry Ezenwa, said Umeh’s victory was victory for every genuine APGA member and victory for the growth of the party.

•Adapted from a Daily Sun report. Photo shows Sir Victor Umeh.