Abia 2019: Ogah visits Kalu, names Azubuike as running mate

The winner of the Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries, Dr. Uche Samson Ogah, has nominated Hon. Martins Azubuike, a member of the state House of Assembly, as his running mate for the 2019 election. Ogah, who disclosed this when he visited a former Abia State Governor and APC chieftain, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, in Igbere, said he was overwhelmed by the support of party members during the primary election. He said the APC was ready for the electioneering and to take over Abia State. Ogah, a few days ago, won the APC governorship ticket, beating other aspirants.

He was an aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. He further went to court to challenge the candidature of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, over tax matters. The Court of Appeal upheld his argument and declared him governor-elect, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue him Certificate of Return.

The Supreme Court, however, upturned the verdict. Azubuike is also a serving member of the Abia State House of Assembly from Isiala Ngwa North. Ogah has also expressed appreciation for the support the people of the state and members of the party showed to him during the primary election. Ogah, in a statement yesterday, signed by his media aide, Great Imo Jonathan and made available to journalists, urged Abians to sustain the support until the ultimate victory is won in 2019. He promised not to disappoint the state if he becomes the governor in 2019.

His words: “Ogah is using this opportunity to thank the good people of Abia State and members of APC for counting him worthy of this noble assignment. “He is also using this opportunity to appreciate party leaders across board for their tireless efforts at building the party and their determination to produce the next governor of Abia State and to end poverty amongst the people.” The APC flag bearer called on his party men who contested with him to join hands for the victory of the party in 2019. He said: “Furthermore, Dr. Ogah is using this op-portunity to appreciate his brothers in the party, who contested for the opportunity to fly the party’s flag. He is grateful to them for the love they share and for the camaraderie. He considers them all noblemen who are as well qualified for this responsibility, having supported the peaceful process that culminated into his emergence as the flag bearer.” Oga promised to remain steadfast in his determination to bring development to Abia State and to ensure that every part of the state witnesses massive infrastructural transformation amidst industrial development. “Ogah believes in creative governance and prosperity for our people and he will talk more about them as we progress into the campaigns proper,” the statement further read.