Barely 24 hours to the commencement of the APC primaries in Abia State, one of the three aspirants and a younger brother to a former governor of the state, Mascot Uzor Kalu announced his “voluntary withdrawal”.
Kalu informed his supporters, party members, and the general public about this in an e-signed statement sighted by LEADERSHIP in Umuahia, the state capital.
”After wide consultations with family members, friends, and stakeholders, I have voluntarily withdrawn my aspiration to contest for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.”
According the statement, the onetime chief of staff to a former governor of the state and his brother’s successor, T.A. Orji, “though difficult, this decision is premised on two major reasons”.
He considered that since his oldest brother, Orji Uzor Kalu had won the party’s ticket for Abia North, he should “allow the other aspirants the opportunity to contest for the office of governor”.
”After wide and due consultations with stakeholders, we concluded that, in the interest of fairness and equity, Abia Central should be allowed to complete its eight years of power rotation, which it has already commenced.”
He extend his special appreciation to his wife and children, who have stood by him throughout these months since his declaration to run for the office.
”I also deeply appreciate my lovely mother, who has always stood solidly with me, as well as my brothers, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Nnanna Uzor Kalu.”
He thanked his staff and members of his campaign organisation, particularly Rev Chuks Alozie, Samuel Nwachukwu, and Ifeanyi Adijeh, for their unalloyed support and dedication throughout this journey.
The botched enterprise was Kalu’s third attempt for elective office in the state. In March 2021, he contested for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency on the platform of the party and lost.
Ahead of the 2023 governorship election won by Alex Otti, he defected to and contested for the seat on the platform of Action Peoples Party and lost. Later he returned back to APC.
Meanwhile, at press time the result of the primaries, which is between former minister of State for Science and Technology, Henry Ikoh and business entrepreneur, Eric Opa was being awaited.
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