Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 10:04 pm

A strongman in Abia politics and the board, the BoT, member of All Progressive Congress, APC, Prince Benjamin Apugo, drums support for Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

He said that his integrity, competence and proven track record put him ahead of other candidates.

The APC leader, who spoke to reporters yesterday in his hometown of Ibeku Umuahia, also expressed support for the Labor Party gubernatorial candidate, Dr Alex Otti, saying he has capital to rebuild Abia.

Prince Apugo has denied media reports that he endorsed Abia APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Grand Chief Ikechi Emenike, dismissing the report as misleading.

He said he never blessed Emenike’s gubernatorial ambitions and warned against any attempt to use him for political glory.

Apugo accused the APC-led federal government of neglecting Abia State, saying there was no federal presence in the state.

“APC has done nothing for Umuahia and the State of Abia where I come from,” he said.

He also said the APC had done little for Ndigbo and urged voters to vote based on the qualifications and integrity of the candidates and not the party’s symbolism in the upcoming polls.

Apugo brushed aside the Igbo political elite with disparaging remarks about Obi, portraying them as short-sighted and self-centered vandals.

He urged Igbo voters not to be discouraged by the unpatriotic activities of those who, he said, rarely visit their communities.

According to him, Obi’s ambition and presidential candidacy brought respect and honor to the Igbo race.

He recalled that it would be the first time Nigerians from different ethnic, religious and political backgrounds had gathered to support a presidential candidate from the southeast.

Apugo urges Ndigbo at home and abroad to participate in large numbers and vote for their trusted candidates in the upcoming elections.

He said those hoping to cheat the polls should think about something else, stressing that the era of election manipulation is over.

Apugo expressed his optimism that the upcoming polls will give birth to a new Nigeria, where quality and skill play an important role.