Enugu Governorship Election : Why I Won't Endorse Any Candidate — Nwobodo

Former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo has said that he does not possess the power to endorse any gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The elder statesman who made this known while addressing the press in Enugu yesterday, debunked insinuations that he had endorsed one of the candidates in the state.

He said that only the Governor of the state, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had the power to choose who will succeed him.

"Only the serving governor has the power to endorse someone who will replace him. I have not endorsed anyone. I cannot in my wisdom as an older statesman endorse someone when I am not the governor.

"I read with utter dismay, the wicked misrepresentation of my private visit to Chinyeaka Oha's residence in Enugu. A visit I made on the invitation of Chinyeaka for me to come and bless his newly built mansion in GRA Enugu.

"When I got his invitation, I declined it and told the people he sent that I had other engagements this period. But when I was reminded that I did not attend his mother's funeral and the reception organized by the Awkunanaw community for his retirement, I accepted to come.

"Before accepting his invitation, I gave him a condition that it must be a private visit and I made it clear that I was not coming to discuss his governorship ambition. Chinyeaka accepted and assured me he was going to keep to my agreement.

"I prayed with the kola nut he offered, that God should bless his home and he and his family will live peacefully in their new home in good health. I then added that power belongs to God, and whomsoever God decides to give power to, no man can stop it and l am not God.

"But for me to read some publications saying I went to endorse Chinyeaka or that my prayers centred on his political ambition is mischievous and a betrayal of our mutual agreement of the condition for my visit. 

He however said that he supports the idea that Nkanu East Local Government Area should produce the next governor based on equity and justice.

"My position on Nkanu East has not changed, and my visit to Chinyeaka Ohas's new home has nothing to do with my support for Nkanu East. I am using this opportunity to re-
affirm my support for Nkanu East to produce the next governor. 

"As I said, God is the ultimate decision-maker so my prayer is for God of justice and equity to see us through this process," he said.