ABIA PDP GUBER CAMPAIGN GOES DENOMINATIONAL: “We Cannot Move From An Adventist Governor To Another Adventist Governor”- Hon. Chikamnayo

In what appears to be a new twist and campaign strategy by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in Abia State to win the votes of Abians in the coming gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections, Christian faith denomination has been introduced as a panacea to win the minds of electorates.

The new twist in campaigning for votes by Abia PDP is now seen as virtue for equity and it is gradually taking the frontline of debate and their campaign.

In the latest development some PDP faithful and stakeholders have affirmed that it is the turn of a member of a Roman Catholic faith to be the next governor of Abia state.

The latest position was revealed as already rumoured on social media by Hon. Chikamnayo, commissioner for information, Abia State, he gave a factual position of the new campaign strategy on Monday during a live political program on Flo 94.9.fm, Umuahia, Abia State.

Hon. Chikamnayo stated that none of the past governors of the state is a Roman Catholic, thus, it is the turn of a member of the Roman Catholic faith to be elected into office as governor of Abia State.

In his words; “In 1999, Abia was governed by Orji Uzor Kalu of the presbyterian church, after Orji Kalu, T.A Orji of Christ Church came on board, governed eight years, after T.A Orji, Okezie Ikpeazu of Adventist church, governed Abia state.

“The most populous church in Abia State that has contributed to Abia in terms of money, taxes, all manner of contributions is the Roman Catholic church and has never produced a governor.

“Alex Otti(Gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party) is of the Seventh Day Adventist, governor Okezie Ikpeazu is of the Seventh Day Adventist. We cannot move from an Adventist in eight years to another Adventist governor. The Catholic church deserves their own equity.”

While marketing Okey Ahiwe, the gubernatorial candidate of PDP, Hon Chikamnayo insisted that his candidate who is a knight in the Roman Catholic church is the best to pilot the affairs of Abia State. He also asserted that religion was the basis of choosing candidates and running mates in the just concluded presidential election, thus Abia is not exempted.

Hon. Chikamnayo also stated that the late gubernatorial candidate of the party, late Prof Uche Eleazer IKonne was of the Anglican church as religion and tribe cannot be done away with in politics while notting that justice will be served if a Roman Catholic church member is voted in as the next Abia State governor.

“Over 80% of Abians are Roman Catholics, they pay their taxes and contribute to governance and they have not had any of their own near the seat of power. Let us try Catholics, they didn’t commit any offence”. Hon. Chikamnayo said.

Hon. Chikamnayo also added that it is all about inclusion; “That was why the peter Obi euphoria changed the narrative in the last presidential and national assembly elections, but the coming gubernatorial election will change the narrative.”

“The wave that you are going to see on Saturday is going to be different from the wave of the last two weeks election. The wave you will see on Saturday is the wave of the people who are going to vote their local interest, PDP will win by the grace of God on Saturday”. Hon Chikamnayo said.

Hon. Chikamnayo also holds the position that other gubernatorial candidates such as High Chief Ikechi Emenike, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) barely spends time in Abia to feel the pulse of the people but they are always around during election year for campaigns. He also accused Alex Otti of not having a single investment in the state to curb unemployment as well only available in the state during election year.