By George Samuel
Former Deputy Senate President and Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial district, Mr Ike Ekweremadu has concluded plans to dump his political party , the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2023 Enugu governorship tussle
THE NIGERIA DAILY gathered from a source close to the former deputy Senate President that Ekweremadu has renewed his high-level negotiations with the top echelon of the APC from the South East.
The source told THE NIGERIA DAILY that Ekweremadu’s defection to the APC has nothing to do with disagreement with his own party, the PDP, but solely on his desire to pursue his governorship ambition in 2023.
It will be recalled that Ekweremadu is one of the longest serving senators in the national assembly having represented his senatorial zone for 16 years and still counting.
During his re-election in 2019, Ekweremadu has promised his constituents he would not be seeking another term in the Senate come 2023.
He was first elected to the senate in 2003. In 2015 he attempted to run for Governor but the then Governor, Sullivan Chime denied him the ticket insisting it was the turn of another zone . This prompted Ekweremadu to renegotiate his way back to the Senate.
THE NIGERIA DAILY learnt that Enugu PDP has insisted on following the zoning arrangements of the 1999. Enugu East produced Governor between 1999-2007 , followed by Enugu West (2007-2015) and now Enugu North (2015-date ) The tenure of Enugu North is expected to elapse by 2023 . But Ekweremadu’s close aide told THE NIGERIA DAILY that since all zones have benefited from the zoning arrangements , it doesn’t matter which zone produces the next governor .
Meanwhile, Enugu East which has former governors Chimaraoke Nnamani and Jim Nwobodo has made it clear that they are leaving no stone unturned in producing the next governor and the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is strongly in support of Enugu East, this Newspaper still learnt.
With Ekweremadu leaving no stone unturned on his interest to occupy the Lion Building ( Enugu State Government House ) and without the support of the incumbent governor, his alternate vehicle to achieve his long time dream is through the APC.
This Newspaper has confirmed that Ekweremadu has activated all his governorship structures and is on the verge of concluding all necessary measures before he finally announced his defection to the APC
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