Former Majority Leader of Imo State House of Assembly, Hon.Lugard Osuji, has emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for Owerri Municipal.
Osuji defeated his closest rival, Mr. Tony Chukwu, in a keenly contested primary election held in Owerri on Tuesday.
The former lawmaker has however extended a hand of friendship to his opponent, Mr. Tony Chukwu.
“This was a contest between two good brothers and members of one political family, and I consider the outcome of the primaries today not to be victory for me alone.
“It was a victory for democracy, for quality and all inclusive representation, for our party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, and definitely a victory for all. I therefore commend my dear brother and co aspirant, Hon.Tony Chukwu for shunning the politics of bitter opposition and exhibited high level of maturity and sportsmanship
“He is a noble man but the people’s choice and collective interest of the party for the good and betterment of Owerri Municipal prevailed. Having received the endorsement and nomination to represent our party in the Imo House of Assembly election, I implore him to join hands with me as I look forward to working with him as we embark on the process of reaching out to our people in our fervent effort to restore and strengthen their hope and faith in our great party, and return Owerri Municipal State Constituency back to effective representation”
Osuji said he is “deeply moved by the expression of love and confidence in me by these committed and loyal members of our great party selected from across the 11 wards of Owerri Municipal State Constituency who so generously contributed their time and efforts in making sure the best emerged”
“Free, fair and transparent primaries would have eluded us if the election Commitee and the leadership of the party had not remained courageously committed to democratic ideals.My profound gratitude therefore goes to the election Commitee as well as the Imo State and the national leadership of our great party for their democratic stance and firm insistence on adherence to the party’s Constitution and internal democracy devoid of institutional democracy devoid of institutional bias, favouritism, or imposition of any kind, which have indeed distinguished our party and make it more appealing to millions of Nigerians across the country”
“To my family, my campaign team, my friends, support groups at home and in the Diaspora, members of our dear great party, and all people of Owerri municipal State Constituency, who played a part in achieving the historic feat, I convey my deepest gratitude and appreciate you all” Osuji stated.