The former Abia State governor and a Chieftain of All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has said that the door is widely open for anyone who wish to join the political party in the state, including the incumbent governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
Kalu stated this in a recent chat with newsmen at his Igbere country home, he noted that APC is working very hard to win the governorship seat of Abia State in 2019.
Kalu said the party will not only win the election, but will win convincingly, “as I have thrown the doors open for all who want to join and become part of its success, including the incumbent, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.”
According to him; “if Ikpeazu joins the party today, he would be made the party’s flag bearer for the 2019 governorship election in the state.”
The former governor said as far as the party is concerned, any sitting governor who defects to the party gets automatic ticket to contest the election, if he is in his first term.
“We’re working hard to win the governorship seat of the state in 2019 and we’ll win convincingly that I know. What I don’t know is who would be the candidate. But, if the incumbent comes over to our party, he’s going to be the candidate of the party.
“The laws of the party are very clear on it . If the governor comes into the party today, he’s going to get the ticket of the party,” Kalu reiterated.
Asked whether Ikpeazu is making moves to join the APC, Kalu replied that he is not aware of that and pointed out that he has not spoken to the Abia governor in the last two years.
Speaking on Igbo presidency, Kalu stressed that it is in APC that the Ndigbo will realise their ambition in 2023.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s second tenure will usher in Igbo presidency whether it’s me or any Igbo man. That’s why we’re endorsing him for second term. You heard the other day when Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi endorsed the president for a second term?
“The president already has bi-partisan support. And I am sure that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State would not be ungrateful to the man who did so much for him, because, without president Buhari, Obiano wouldn’t have won the governorship election,”said Kalu.
