*Says He Plays National Politics.
Frontline national politician , Orikeze Vitalis Ajumbe, has debunked media reports that he crossed over to the Action Alliance, AA, with his friend, and erstwhile Labour party governorship aspirant in Imo State, Major Jack Ogunewe (retd)
Ogunewe had dumped the Labour party, where he lost the party’s governorship primary for the Action Alliance, AA, where he was named the party’s governorship candidate for the November 11, Imo governorship election.
In a statement on Sunday, Ajumbe, said he is not part of the AA party movement of General Ogunewe, stating that he is a political consultant who plays national politics.
He went memory lane to give account of his relationship with the retired army general, particularly how he aided the success of his guber bid in the Labour Party.
Ajumbe’s full statement made available to INNONEWS reads:
“Since Wednesday May 24th, 2023 when my friend, General Lincoln Keonyemere Jack OGUNEWE rtd declared to pursue his political ambition through AA PARTY, a lot of concerned friends and admirals have called me to know if I am part of the AA Party movement of General OGUNEWE rtd. My reply to them was that I am not a member of AA PARTY and that I am not part of the AA movement and that I play National politics.
“I started his political movement in July, 2022 when my friend, His Excellency, ALHAJI Rabiu Kwankwaso brought us together. I tutored him the rudiments of partisan politics and exposed him to personalities who matter in politics, business and religion, especially to critical Imo stakeholders in Abuja, Lagos, Owerri etc. I exposed my library of contacts to him and built a strong media and campaign team that made him a household name in Imo politics and beyond.
“He felt that he was not treated well by the Labour Party leadership after the Party Primary election in Imo State and decided to pursue his ambition through AA PARTY which I advised him against. Well, he has the right to decide his political future just as Peter Obi decided to leave PDP to join the Labour Party.
“I never claimed to be the DG of his campaign organization called the RESET IMO 2023 but rather to assemble the right people for the movement. I am happy that today, the movement that started with me and General OGUNEWE alone in his Abuja residence, could now be seen as a statewide movement.
“For those who are still with him, I beg of you not to destroy this movement. Be hopeful and pray for the future of Imo State which is very important to all of us. At my age, my wants are limited but we need to prepare a better future for our children and future offspring. We need a better IMO STATE where there will be peace and a striving business environment. God will make that possible through the concerted efforts of all of us.
“Yes, I am not in AA and not part of the AA movement because I want to continue with my National political interest, but I wish my friend General Lincoln Jack Keonyemere OGUNEWE success in his political pursuit. I will not like to destroy the house I suffered to build. Imo State politics is dynamic and unpredictable and so, do not write-off any candidate. We need the right person to emerge as Imo Governor on November 11, 2023. Always pray for your principal as power comes from God.
“Finally, as a political consultant, I am ready to render help to any governorship candidate who means well for Imo State.
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May God bless you all sufficiently.