Ahead of the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State, the World Igbo Youth Congress, WIYC, yesterday endorsed Mr. Oseloka Obaze as its choice.
The group predicated its decision on what it called Obaze’s experience and “well-thought-out” manifesto, aimed at taking Anambra to a new level.
This is also as the group has urged Nigerian youths to reject any presidential candidate above 50 years.
Consequently, it asked President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Sule Lamido not to nurse any presidential ambition in 2019.
They said they would no longer continue to keep quiet in the face of bad governance and failure of the present crop of political leaders.
In a communique issued after its meeting, which was signed by its national publicity secretary, Mazi Okemiri Alex, the WIYC urged the people of Anambra not to make the mistake of re-electing Governor Willie Obiano for a second term in office.
The communique noted that “we declare today that we have had enough of oligarchical leadership in the country. They have failed us; so, the youths should be given a chance.
“We are already searching for a youth we shall project as a presidential candidate. We have taken interest in the activities of Mr. Iheanacho Ezeakor. Our final shortlist of candidates shall soon be made public.”
On Anambra, it said, “having carefully appraised the political developments in Anambra State, especially with regards to the over 30 candidates jostling for the governorship position, we have come to the conclusion that our choice lies in Oseloka Obaze.
“Our reason is anchored on Obaze’s well-thought-out manifesto and programme of action, in which he shows a clear road map for youth empowerment and the overall development of Anambra State.
“Obaze of the Peoples Democratic Party is the best in terms of international exposure, maturity, accessibility. So, we urge Ndi Anambra that giving Obaze their mandate on November 18 will be more fruitful than anything else.
“After monitoring the political activities of the incumbent, Willie Obiano, we have come to the conclusion that his government is built on propaganda. This is more pronounced in his inability to clear the air on the N75b handed over to him by his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi, neither has he accounted for the huge billions of naira he has received within the past four years. He has also been unable to prove his claims that Obi demanded N7b from him.
“Based on these, we find him less credible to continue occupying that exalted office.”
On Tony Nwoye, the group said he was a good candidate, he was running on “wrong political platform.”
“How can our people vote for a party that orchestrated the killings of our youths in thousands? How can we support a party, which treats Ndigbo with utter disdain and passion?
“The All Progressives Congress, which has President Muhammadu Buhari as leader has never hidden their hatred for Ndigbo. It has manifested in all areas, including the endless lopsided appointments. So, it will be morally wrong for our Anambra people to give their mandate to such a political platform.”
