The Anambra Central Peoples Forum has condemned alleged conspiracy against former chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh, during the Anambra Central Senatorial primary which he lost and forced his defection to the Labour Party (LP).
Chairman of the Forum Chris Achebe, yesterday in Onitsha, described the election as flawed, alleging that victory was given to the highest bidder in collaboration with the party’s hierarchy.
Achebe said despite the conspiracy, the former lawmaker remained unstoppable to clinch the Senatorial seat, stressing that he should be allowed to continue to provide quality representation to the people.
Achebe said: “We endorse Umeh’s defection to the Labour Party from where he will achieve his ambition of clinching the Senatorial seat. Within few years of being in the Red Chamber, he was able to make positive impact by providing dividends of democracy to the people.”
Umeh had accused the APGA leadership of conspiracy during the primary, resulting to his defeat. Dozie Nwankwo won the primary with 162 of the 320 total votes cast, as against Umeh’s 151.
“APGA leaders worked against me and when they saw that their intimidating antics were not working, they resorted to sharing $1,000, $800 and $600 to delegates.”
Expressing satisfaction with his new party, (LP), Umeh described the party as soul-lifting, saying it has reunited him with the presidential candidate, Peter Obi, both who were formerly in APGA.
“What has happened now is that the door that was temporary closed has been opened. The decision on who will represent Anambra Central will be made by the people and not a handful of persons who will be sharing money,” he added.