Ekweremadu Withdraws From Enugu Guber Race, Congratulates Mba

…Says it’s time to unite

Former Deputy President of the Senate and an aspirant to the Enugu State governorship seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has formally withdrawn from the race.

Ekweremadu has also congratulated the winner of the PDP Governorship primary election, Mr. Peter Mba.

The former Deputy Senate President made this known in a statement he personally issued after meeting with his supporters and political associates in Enugu on Thursday.

Ekweremadu, who regretted that his lofty plans for the transformation of Enugu, “A Pathway to a New Enugu”, was sabotaged by betrayals, high level of ingratitude, fraudulent political practices, and persecution of his supporters, however, said that the light of political emancipation he lit together with his supporters, though dimmed temporarily, would never be extinguished.

In the words of Ekweremadu; “In the last two years, we set out to run for the governorship of Enugu State. Our mission was to change the narrative in the governance of our state and possibly inspire other states in the delivery of impressive governance. Our hope was that this would lead to a total recalibration of governance in Nigeria with Enugu State as a starting point and model.

“Within the period, we set up a platform with a grassroots base. We named it Oganiru Ndi Enugu. It was duly registered. We received 77 support groups, which showed uncommon support to our mission.

“To show our seriousness, we developed and presented our manifesto entitled “My Agenda for Enugu State: A Pathway to a New Enugu State”.

“We were prepared to deliver good governance that would see to the prompt payment of salaries and retirement benefits to our senior citizens. We pledged to build not just roads, but also super highways that would connect our borders with other states and a ring road that would connect our local government areas.

“We were set to deliver water and electricity to our cities and communities as well as impeccable environmental cleanliness.

“We said that we would change the face of tourism with annual festival that would attract the world as well as institutions and facilities that would host conferences and events.

“We promised new Special Cities that would deliver modern agriculture, healthcare, entertainment, ICT, automobile, and sports.

 “We were determined to provide jobs to our people to keep them from the temptation to commit crime and enhance their wellbeing as well as secure their future and the future of their children. Our solution was to build at least two industries in each of our local governments in four years. Our economy would have changed forever.

“We had plans to secure our state using digital technology and a well equipped Security and Public Safety Coordination Centre with adequate manpower. We committed to setting up an efficient state-funded security outfit and an Enugu State Identity Database to help fight crime.

“We were ready to deliver world-class education to our people. We promised to run a 24-hour governance that would enhance service delivery. We were prepared to make Enugu people proud again.

“Unfortunately, as we were doing these, some of our compatriots were busy conspiring and planting landmines to frustrate our rescue and transformation mission. We have witnessed betrayals and high level of ingratitude on this journey. Yet we remained focused.

“After consulting widely with the elders of our party as well as well meaning friends and respected elders across the country and beyond;

“After a long and painstaking introspection on our contributions to the development of the PDP;

 “After considering the current security situation in the South East region and the need not to put anybody in harms way by a foreseeable combustive political environment, as my ambition is not worth the life of any Enugu son or daughter;

“After considering that the things that hold us together as Ndi Enugu will ultimately outlive the treacheries of the moment;

“After receiving assurances from the gubernatorial candidate of our party, Barr. Peter Mba, that he would integrate our “Pathway to a New Enugu State” in his programme and his assurances of the participation of everybody in his campaign team and government;

“I, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, hereby formally withdraw from the 2023 gubernatorial contest in Enugu State. I congratulate Barr. Peter Mba and wish him success.

“It is time to unite,” Ekweremadu said.