Ebonyi gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, Arc Dr Edward Nkwegu has refuted what he described as the unhealthy rumours about his nomination as the governorship standard bearer of the party in his state.
Arc Dr Edward Nkwegu.
Dr Nkwegu also refuted the rumour that he was sent by Governor David Umahi to grab the Labour Party's gubernatorial ticket to block Engineer Fidelis Nwankwo from distracting the APC gubernatorial candidate of the state, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in the 2023 general elections.
The Director of the Legal Unit, Obi-Edon Media Support Group in Ebonyi State, Barr Matthew Okechukwu, Friday, made this known in a press release on behalf of the EDON Legal Team.
The release read in parts: "Our attention has been drawn to an article published on Facebook by one Chinonso Martins Nwede, where opinions were given about four (4) gubernatorial candidates of the APGA, the APC, the LP and the PDP - their challenges and chances, which publication has gone viral on some other social media platforms. We are only concerned about the part of the article about Arc. Nkwegu.
"The author on his Facebook handle wrote that the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, Arc. Edward Okereke Nkwegu remains the most polished, experienced, educated, civilized, refined and diplomatic among all the gubernatorial candidates in Ebonyi State.
"He added that Nkwegu does not discriminate and is the only candidate who may unify aggrieved leaders of Ebonyi State if elected governor of the State in 2023 and eventually stated that Nkwegu is the most acceptable candidate.
"While we commend the author for his accurate and verifiable facts/opinions in paragraph 2 above, we deem it necessary to correct some misleading opinions also contained in the article. In his opinions on the challenges of Arc. Nkwegu, the author opined that despite the invaluable qualification and acceptable candidacy of Arc. Nkwegu (author) believes that Governor David Umahi sent Arc. Nkwegu to grab the Labour Party ticket to block Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo from distracting Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of the APC, the latter being Nkwegu's godfather.
"The author also stated that despite Arc. Nkwegu welcomed their candidacy, but there was a court case against his nomination."
The group said: "For clarity, we wish to put the records straight, that Umahi or any other person did not send Arc. Edward Nkwegu to join the Labour Party."
The group maintained that Nkwegu joined the party on his own for the interest of Ebonyians, stressing that "Arc. Nkwegu is not holding the Ebonyi Labour Party gubernatorial ticket merely to block anyone, including Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo."
The group added: "There is no rancour or rift between Arc. Nkwegu and Engr. Nwankwo; they are on good terms and care for each other.
"Arc. Edward Nkwegu did not grab the Labour Party gubernatorial tick to preserve Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's aspiration as erroneously opined by the author.
"He is contesting to win, and by the grace of God, he will win. There's no pending suit about the Ebonyi gubernatorial nomination. The Court of Appeal on 30/09/2023 led to the rest of the suit which was pending.
"We, therefore, advise the good people of Ebonyi State not to consider the opinions contained in paragraph 2 above to maintain their stand with Arc. Edward Nkwegu to enable him to achieve his good ambitions for the people of Ebonyi State and other residents in the State.
"Arc. Edward Nkwegu intends to run an inclusive government built on the altar of rule of law. His administration will be devoid of lawlessness as we see in most governments today. The law shall always prevail in his administration.
"God reward you for supporting Arc. Edward Nkwegu and other Labour Party candidates in Ebonyi State."
