- The Labour Party candidate promises urgent rehabilitation of roads and power infrastructure if he wins the August 16 bye-election.
- He criticises Governor Soludo’s approach to insecurity, insisting that development is meaningless without safety for lives and property.
Labour Party’s senatorial candidate in the Anambra south bye-election, Chuma Nzeribe, says the backing of Peter Obi and George Moghalu gives him a strong edge in the race.
Obiora Ifoh, spokesperson of the Julius Abure-led faction, quoted Nzeribe on Friday as describing the support from Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Moghalu, the party’s governorship flagbearer, as a “game changer.”
The candidate said the alliance of both party leaders has bolstered his confidence ahead of the poll slated for August 16.
“I am indeed lucky because of the support from His Excellency, Peter Obi, and Chief George Moghalu,” he said.
According to him, their involvement would “go a long way in ensuring victory” for the Labour Party.
Nzeribe, a former house of representatives member, vowed to prioritise security across the district if elected.
“You see the deteriorating security situation in Anambra south where most of the local governments are under the control of the unknown gunmen,” he said.
He promised to introduce “a new security architecture” capable of dislodging “militants and violent criminals.”
On infrastructure, Nzeribe said poor roads and erratic power supply remain a major setback to development.
“In my local government, Ihiala, we have stayed up to three months without electricity. It is even more in some other areas,” he said.
He described road construction and electricity improvement as “crucial” parts of his plan for the zone.
Nzeribe accused the governor of Anambra, Chukwuma Soludo, of failing to address insecurity.
“If you provide skyscrapers, roads and flyovers without security, nobody appreciates that,” he said.
“They failed woefully to curtail insecurity in the state.”
On party disputes, Nzeribe dismissed claims of division, calling the crisis “superficial.”
“As you can see, all the dramatis personae are talking to each other,” he said.
“My candidature is supported by everyone because I am the one on ground and I won the primaries clearly.”
Nzeribe received his certificate of return on Thursday at the LP national headquarters in Abuja after winning the party ticket with 367 votes, defeating Anagwu Fredrick Emeka who scored 213.
Factional chairman Julius Abure said the party believes Nzeribe’s leadership experience and security knowledge would strengthen its chances of victory.
The bye-election will fill the seat left vacant after the death of Ifeanyi Ubah in London on July 27, 2024.
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