Jude Emecheta, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra, has officially announced his campaign to replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South in the Senate. Ubah, who passed away on July 27, was laid to rest last week.
During a press briefing in Awka on Thursday, Emecheta, the former Managing Director of the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency, presented himself as the best candidate to address the security and developmental needs of Anambra South.
Emecheta argued that, unlike other aspirants, none of them were prioritizing the region’s security challenges or aligning with Governor Charles Soludo’s development plans.
He emphasized the importance of security for the state’s growth, stating, “Governor Soludo can only achieve his vision for Anambra if the state is secure.”
Emecheta stressed that cross-border crime is a major issue in the state, which has deterred investment, especially from affluent Anambra indigenes, stalling the region’s economic growth.
He vowed to make security his top priority if elected, asserting that it would pave the way for local investment and long-term development.
In his critique of other aspirants, Emecheta said that distributing handouts like rice, yams, and motorcycles was not the solution for Anambra South. Instead, he believes the focus should be on securing the region to attract sustainable development.
Addressing claims that he was closely associated with Edozie Njoku, the former factional national chairman of APGA, Emecheta confirmed their friendship but clarified that he had attempted to discourage Njoku from taking actions that went against the APGA leadership.
He emphasized that his efforts to dissuade Njoku were known to both the former and current APGA national chairmen, Dr. Victor Oye and Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa.
