ONITSHA—Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the February 6, 2010 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, Wednesday, declared his intention to run for the November 16 governorship poll in the state.
Soludo made the declaration after formally picking APGA membership card from his Isuama ward at a meeting with the ward’s executive.
He had on July 17, 2013 resigned his membership of the PDP on grounds that the party did not represent what he needed in actualising his dream and vision in politics with regards to the welfare of the people of Anambra and Nigeria in general.
The resignation letter, addressed to the national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, titled: “Letter of resignation as a member of PDP” read: “This is to convey my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from July 17, 2013″.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the party for the opportunity given to me to serve it in some capacity.
“This resignation is without prejudice to the possibility of future collaboration with the party in any areas of common interest designed to advance the course of nation building.”
Soludo, who said he had to dump PDP after due consultation with his family, Anambra elders and stakeholders from January 2, this year till the date he resigned, said he was joining the governorship race on the platform of APGA to ensure continuity of governance in Anambra State, after Governor Peter Obi must have left office.
“ There is an overwhelming demand by our people, by the people of Anambra for me to remain engaged in the political process.
“There is an overwhelming demand by Anambra people that I should run for the office of governor for continuity and transformation. We need to consolidate on the gains of the eight years that Obi ruled the state,” he said.
He said when he joined the PDP to contest the February 2010 governorship election, people, especially his friends, told him he was the best candidate but was in the wrong party.
He added:m “So, while I was consulting, I was told to join a good party and today, I have joined that good party, APGA.
“ I am not joining APGA simply as a vehicle to contest the governorship but because I want to breathe it and drink it.
“I believe in the essence, aim and objective of the party. I have come to the conclusion that APGA is the only party that will move Nigeria to the next level. APGA in its constitution, agrees with the Beijing Declaration of an affirmation for women, other parties parrot it “.
Soludo said his joining the race was not a do or die affair, saying “I can only offer myself to the members of APGA to say that I am willing to contest the election but the final decision is for the party.
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