A former Minister of State for Health, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo, on Friday debunked allegations that Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State was persuading him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Minister and stalwart of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) hails from the same clan as the governor.
Nwankwo noted at the party’s primaries in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, that such reports were “mere assumptions”.
The 2023 general election governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that as a critical stakeholder in the state, he would not wait for such an overture.
He said: “I am a free-born of the state and strongly believe that partisan politics is different from non-partisan roles in developing the state.
“Whenever I am approached on any issue concerning the state’s development, I will consider many factors and make my contributions.”
The former Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) noted that the NDC provided Nigerians an alternative to address the teething challenges of insecurity and economic hardship among others.
Nwankwo said: “Nigerians who face these challenges daily would vote for candidates of their choice and protect their votes.
“You can see.that our primaries to pick candidates for various political positions have been peaceful and orderly.
“We are preparing seriously to win the 2027 general election and despite being a new party, we are enjoying unusual and massive support from Nigerians.”
Nwankwo noted that the party’s candidates at all levels would be individuals of proven integrity and capacity to provide good governance to Nigerians.
He said: “The country is yearning for good leadership and Peter Obi, who is going to be our presidential candidate, is acceptable by all.
“You saw the large crowd that turned out during his recent unofficial visit to Abakaliki and this is what is obtained wherever he goes across the country.”
