By Kolawole Ojebisi
The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Anambra State, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has claimed that he has always been instrumental in the emergence of successive governors in the state since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule.
Ukachukwu stressed that his contributions to the enthronement of Anambra’s helmsman used to be behind the scenes in a manner that could be likened to a kingmaker or in Nigerian parlance — godfather.
He said he decided to throw his hat into the ring for the next gubernatorial election in the state because he wanted to be a a father and no more a godfather.
Ukachukwu disclosed this after he emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Speaking after his victory, Ukachukwu said: “We shall deliver Anambra to the APC. One thing I want to say here, nobody has won the governorship of Anambra without my support; it has never happened before.
“I have been playing godfatherism, but now I want to be the father of the father, no more godfather.”
The businessman and real estate giant, was declared the winner of the party’s primary election held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center, Awka.
Though the exercise was billed for Saturday, Ukachukwu was declared winner on Sunday morning.
Three aspirants of the party for the primary election; Sir Paul Chukwuma, Prof Obiora Okonkwo and Hon Chuma Umeoji had withdrawn from the race citing irregularities.
Ukachukwu went into the contest with Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon Edozie Madu.
Announcing the results, the Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr Bassey Otu who is the Chief Returning Officer said Ukachukwu emerged winner after polling 1,455 votes out of 1,630 votes cast.
When Mr Val Ozigbo polled 67 votes, John Bosco Onunkwo polled 26 votes Edozie Mmadu polled 8 votes to come second, third and fourth respectively.
