2015: Why APGA endorsed Jonathan, by Umeh

The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, said President Goodluck Jonathan was endorsed for a second term by his party because of his “humility and calmness”.

The party on Saturday declared support for Jonathan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is yet to formally announce his decision to seek re-selection

At a rally and inauguration of Join Jonathan Journey (JJJ), NGO, at Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra said the rally was to endorse and encourage Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015.

Obiano, however, said the party would field candidates for other elective positions during the 2015 polls.

He said the party would not give automatic ticket to anyone apart from Umeh, who would run for the Anambra central senatorial seat.

Umeh explained that the endorsement of Jonathan was supported by all the national executive council members of the party.

Umeh said the conduct of free and fair elections in Ekiti and Osun states under the president was an indication that democracy had come to stay in the country.

“He needs to be re-elected for another four years. We have seen his striking humility and calmness in dealing with the affairs of the country,” he said.

The APGA boss assured that his party was in firm control of structures in the state and would be in the position to ensure victory for President Jonathan.

According to him, the 21 local council chairmen and 318 councillors in the state are in support of the call for Jonathan’s re-election

Former senate president, Chief Ken Nnamani, and former minister of women affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih, commended APGA for supporting Jonathan.

They asked for unity and peace in the south-east geo-political zone to move forward as a people.

The director-general of JJJ, Chief Ben Oranusi, said the organisation was the vision of Igbo people to ensure the re-election of Jonathan, who he described as “good brand”.

“The base for JJJ is the Igbo race. We do not claim to have the entire nation but will carry our campaigns to other states of the federation,” he said.