Sen. Chris Ngige, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has emerged the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election, scheduled for Nov. 16 in Anambra.
Ngige garnered 63,255 votes to defeat Mr Godwin Ezeemo, who polled 9,564 votes in the primaries conducted in the 326 electoral wards in the state.
Announcing the result, former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, who was the chief returning officer of the election, expressed happiness over the peaceful conduct of the polls.
Shekarau said that the party chose the Option A4 method as provided for in the constitution of the party.
“Because the party has the right to choose what method of election to adopt in choosing its candidate, it went forward to choose Option A4 for the election, this is to ensure transparency,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Ngige commended the Electoral Committee and the leadership of the party for enshrining internal democracy in the process that elected him.
“What has happened today has shown that we have started our journey to the Awka Government House.
“APC has taken its root in Anambra. The journey is a very important one and we have to cross the red sea.
“My 63, 255 votes plus 9564 votes are the number of foot soldiers other party members would have to contend with in the forthcoming election.
“I extend my hand of fellowship to all of you, even those who did not vote for me.
“I want to thank you all, especially Sen. Annie Okonkwo for his support and Mr Godwin Ezeemo for insisting that the ballot must be cast because he insisted on a primary election,” Ngige said.
In his reaction, Ezeemo commended Ngige for his victory, expressing satisfaction with the process.
He said that it was only fair that a primary election to take place in a contest where there were two aspirants.
Those who graced the occasion include, the National Organising Secretary of the party, Sen. Osita Izunaso, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Dr Nyerere Anyim and Chief Romanus Egbuladike.
