A member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Board of Trustees and influential figure in Abia politics, Prince Benjamin Apugo, has publicly endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi.
In a statement given to the media at his home in Umuahia, Prince Apugo cited Obi’s integrity, competence, and track record of achievements as reasons for his support. He also expressed support for the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Alex Otti, stating that Otti has the resources to rebuild the state of Abia.
Contrary to media reports, Prince Apugo denied endorsing the APC’s governorship candidate for Abia, High Chief Ikechi Emenike. He stated that he had never given his blessing to Emenike’s candidacy and warned against attempts to use his name for political gain.
The APC member also criticized the party’s federal government for neglecting Abia, saying that there is no federal presence in the state.
Prince Apugo also urged Igbo voters to base their decisions on the competence and integrity of candidates rather than party affiliation in the upcoming elections. He also took a swipe at other Igbo political elite for making negative comments about Mr. Obi, calling them “myopic” and “self-centered.”
He urged Ndigbo, both at home and abroad, to come out en masse and vote for credible candidates in the upcoming elections. He expressed confidence that the upcoming polls would bring about a new Nigeria where merit and competence are valued.