From: FRED ITUA, Abuja

Ahead of the November 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, one of the aspirants under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Akolisa Nnanyelugo Ufodike, has announced that he was no longer going ahead to contest in the race.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja, on Thursday,  Ufodike said he decided to end his campaign in order to enable him work with other party faithful in ensuring that the PDP wins the election.

He said the PDP, as a united party, stood the chance of defeating Governor Willie Obiano, who is also seeking for another term in office.

According to Ufodike, “Today (Thursday), I will be ending my race to become my party’s flag bearer in the coming elections. The last few months have been the most exciting of my life. I traversed the state and learnt first hand from people what the most pertinent issues affecting their lives daily were.

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“I also spent a significant amount of time discussing my candidacy  within party ranks just as I did with the broader populace.  My conversations with potential delegates made it clear that they  believe its crucial for us to be extremely competitive in Anambra North Senatorial Zone in order for us to be successful in the general elections.

“I will support the candidate that emerges as the choice of our party delegates and I implore others in the race to do so once its concluded decisively. This is not the time to split ranks if we are to defeat Governor Willie Obiano in the general elections.

“The PDP will ensure that security and personal safety return to Anambra state. We recognise that commercial activity and every other element of our civil society depends on how our people feel about their safety. We will  revive education in Anambra state from the comatose state its currently in.

“The PDP will restore public education in Anambra to its previous state of excellence and give our youth the foundation they need to be successful in their careers and life.

Security, education and youth development were at the core of my candidacy and all three are shared values of the PDP and will therefore be handled differently with better outcomes under a PDP government in Anambra state.”