Chief Elias Mbam, a governorship aspirant in the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi has said that imposition of governorship candidate on the party would not work.Mbam, stated this at a news briefing on Sunday in Abakaliki.
Mbam, chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) was reacting to a statement credited to Gov. Dave Umahi of endorsing Mr Francis Nwifuru, Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly as APC’s gubernatorial candidate in 2023 governorship election.He said that Umahi’s unilateral endorsement of the speaker could cause implosion in the party and mar its chances of electoral victory in the state in the forthcoming general elections.He noted that the Electoral Act, APC’s Constitution and indeed other extant documents on election in Nigeria did not make provision for imposition of aspirants on any political party.
According to him, the unilateral decision did not receive the approval of critical stakeholders of the party and therefore would not be accepted.“I heard the statement like every other person; I wasn’t at the venue where the statement was made and I haven’t been communicated on that.“But, I’m concerned and worried as a critical stakeholder of our party because if the statement is correct, it means he has closed the political space against potential aspirants.“Even though forms are not yet been sold, I do not think it is good for our party.
Chief Elias Mbam, RMAFC chairman and governorship aspirant in the platform of APC
“INEC and the party have emphasised that there should be no imposition of candidates.“If in the disguise of anointing or endorsement, a candidate is imposed on the party, it will not be to the interest of the party.“And it will close the space against other aspirants and we will run the risk of losing 2023 election,” Mbam said.The RMAFC chairman urged the governor as the leader of APC in Ebonyi to allow an level playing field for all the aspirants in the race for the party’s governorship ticket.“I know the governor is the leader of the party in the state; and so, all of us who are members of the party in the state are his children.
” I expect as the father of the party, he will give every child equal opportunity and allow the people determine who becomes their governor,” he added.
The aspirant however assured that the alleged endorsement and adoption of the speaker would not deter him from pursuing his dream to become the next governor of the state.He said: “The endorsement will not stop my aspiration, I’m still in the race, I’m consulting with stakeholders across the state.“By education, work experience and social contacts with people across the country, I am very qualified to lead our state.“I have always indicated my interest to serve my state and I’m well prepared for this service.“I don’t think that among those who have indicated interest that there is anyone who knows the state more than I do,” Mbam said.
Summitnews reports that Umahi announced Nwifuru’s endorsement as APC’s gubernatorial candidate on Friday during the burial of late Chief Dandy Igweomoke, father of Mrs Chioma Nweze, Commissioner for Trade and Investment.
