BY NATIONAL PANEL REPORTERS
One of the leading gubernatorial hopefuls under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh has stepped down for his co-aspirant, Chief Sylvester Ogbaga, a member representing Abakaliki-Izzi Federal Constituency.
Ezeh made this known in a press release a few hours before the commencement of the ongoing governorship primary at the PDP Secretariat, Abakaliki.
Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh and Chief Sylvester Ogbaga.
The press release read in full:
NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL TO SUPPORT ANOTHER GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE - RT. HON SYLVESTER OGBAGA
Following the thick plot against Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone and Izhi Nnodo clan in particular, which became conspicuously evident in the refusal of some PDP stakeholders and aspirants to allow the Party's zoning culture to flow in proper perspective and sequence, the move to harmonize interests among the Ebonyi North aspirants heightened within the last couple of days.
In the series of meetings and tough negotiations that followed, it became clear that no one was ready to make the move of stepping down for another, even though we all agreed to the fact that Ebonyi North would only stand a reasonable chance if we front a single candidate.
I have, after careful thought, decided to take the lead in making this sacrifice and hereby appeal passionately to other Izhi contestants to follow in my footstep for the sake of posterity.
My choice of Ogbaga amongst other Izhi aspirants speaks to the fact that his manifesto comes closest to ours and he has assured me of full adoption of major parts of my programmes for the benefit of Ebonyians in general.
I have always said that my passion for leadership is never about me, and the unfolding events in Ebonyi PDP since I joined the race have made it clear that only a sacrificial move like this on the part of the Ebonyi North aspirants can save us from the impending mess since customary Ebonyi PDP culture of Zoning and Equity have been sacrificed on the altar of personal interests.
The future beckons...
Fellow Izhi aspirants, I know the toil, the efforts, the financial and other costs, but compelled by the call and the urgent need to truly fight for Ala Izhi, the Ekumenyi dynasty and Ebonyi State in general, I wish to tearfully reiterate my appeal to you to follow this path of honour so that we can present one candidate and a winner for us all.
I also urge my teaming supporters to exercise patience as other arrangements are being made to accommodate and harmonize my interest in the whole power equation. I deeply recognize your share in this painful move but I want you all to see it as a price we must pay at a moment like this to guarantee socio-economic and political stability in our dear state.
Thank you and God bless Ebonyi State!
*Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh*
Dated 5th June 2022
