BY NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
Chief Godwin Udu.
The Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Godwin Udu, has said a former Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Prof. Bernard Odoh, stands a better chance of clinching the governorship ticket of the party, if he decides to run, than those allegedly being sponsored by the powers that be, in the state.
He also said that Odoh's track records and mass follower-ship place him in a vantage position to win the gubernatorial election, in the state, in 2023.
According to him, "although it's still a rumour that Anyi Chuks is working in connivance with some powerful people in the Ebonyi State Government to destabilise APGA, in the state, there could be elements of truth in that rumour."
Udu stated this during a meeting with journalists, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, on Sunday, adding that the party was currently well-positioned and poised to take over the reins of governance, in the state, come 2023. 
He also stated that his party was not for sale, in the state, observing, "Remember some people tried similar thing currently being rumoured in Ebonyi State, in Anambra; but they didn't succeed. They tried and spent billions of Naira to hijack APGA there, but it didn't work for them. That is exactly what will happen here, in Ebonyi. APGA is not for sale."
He said, "Prof. Benard Odoh stands a better chance of winning the party's gubernatorial ticket than those allegedly being sponsored by the powers that be, in the state, to destroy APGA.
"I'm saying so because of his track records and mass follower-ship. And we are confident he will win the governorship of the state, should he make up his mind to run. He served this current government, resigned on his own and left without a stain on his image.
"And although it's still a rumour that Anyi Chuks is working with some powerful people in Ebonyi State Government to destabilise APGA, there could be elements of truth in that rumour.
"This is because I see no reason why Anyi Chuks, who comes from same the zone (Ebonyi South) with Governor David Umahi, would want to be governor again, in 2023. There is a possibility that the move is to get the APGA structure in the state and then weaken it ahead of the general elections.
"Maybe it's a plan by the people in government and Anyi Chuks to destroy our party structure, but I'm still investigating. But, however they approach it, APGA will take over Ebonyi State, come 2023."
He added, "APGA is not for sale in Ebonyi State and beyond. If anybody tells you that APGA has been hijacked or bought over by some business mogul in Ebonyi State, that's not true. This is because our party is not for sale.
"I have been hearing of a man they call Anyi Chuks, but I have not seen him and have not met him in person, and don't know where he is. And so, those saying the party has been hijacked by this same man, are merely spreading rumour, because they may not be factual.
"Currently, as a member of the National Working Committee of APGA, I'm grounded in the party and I know what's happening within and outside the party. Our party is not for sale. They can try it elsewhere, but not in APGA.
"Remember some people tried this similar thing being rumoured in Ebonyi State, in Anambra; but they didn't succeed. They tried and spent billions to hijack APGA there, but it didn't work for them.
"So, whatever Anyi Chuks is doing in Ebonyi State for APGA, is still a rumour, because I have not seen him. He may be angling to contest the gubernatorial ticket of the party, it's up to him. He will come, and when he comes, he will contest the primaries; and if he wins, fine. But in APGA, whatever we do, must follow due process and the guidelines stipulated by its Constitution.
"So, whatever anybody or Anyi Chuks is doing for Ebonyi chapter of our party, is a mere rumour before me; and because I have not heard from the State Chairman, it remains a rumour.
"But our party is known for transparency and accountability. And that's what we will apply eventually. But the chairman has not told me and I don't know anything about whatever anybody is doing to possibly buy the party over, in Ebonyi State. All I have been hearing is a rumour, even though there are always elements of truth, in every rumour."
