An influential member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Board of Trustees (BoT), Prince Benjamin Apugo, has publicly expressed his support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi. Apugo, who is a prominent figure in Abia politics, stated that Obi’s integrity, competence, and proven track record of achievements make him a superior candidate for the seat. Additionally, Apugo also voiced his support for the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Alex Otti, stating that Otti has the ability to rebuild Abia.
During a press conference at his home in Ibeku Umuahia, Apugo denied any previous endorsements of the Abia APC governorship candidate, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, and warned against any attempts to use him for political gain. He also criticized the APC-led Federal Government for neglecting Abia State and called on voters to base their decisions on the competency and integrity of candidates rather than party affiliation in the upcoming elections.
Apugo also spoke out against those in the Igbo political elite who had made negative comments about Obi, calling them “myopic and self-centered saboteurs.” He urged Igbo voters not to be discouraged by their actions and emphasized that Obi’s presidential bid brings respect and honor to the Igbo race. He added that this is the first time that Nigerians from different ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds would be supporting a presidential candidate from the South East.
Lastly, Apugo encouraged Ndigbo both in Nigeria and abroad to come out in large numbers and vote for credible candidates of their choice in the upcoming elections. He also stated that those hoping to rig the polls would be unsuccessful, as the era of manipulating election results is over. He expressed optimism that the upcoming polls will lead to a new Nigeria where merit and competence are valued.