By our reporter| The uncertainty about Peter Obi’s presidential ambition continued on Wednesday as the former chairman of Labour party in Anambra state, Jude Ezenwafor, emerged winner of a presidential primary organised by a faction of the party.
Ezenwafor was elected through affirmation at the exercise held in Abuja.
Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, was last month in Asaba, Delta state, elected as presidential candidate by the Julius Abure-led faction of the party following his resignation from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
But before the Asaba primary, Calistus Okafor, chairman of another faction of the party, had in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1636/2021, and filed before a federal high court in Abuja, challenged the legality of the Abure-led faction.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, while adjourning the matter till June 30, ordered that the LP and some of its executives be served with a fresh suit challenging the party’s leadership.
In his acceptance speech shortly after he was elected, Ezenwafor told supporters he has what it takes to lead the country.
“I am on a rescue mission to free Nigeria from social, economic and political crises currently bedevilling it,” NAN quoted him as saying.
“Labour is leading a revolutionary course. Labour Party will win the general election. Our party is going to take over Nigeria and bring back the glory Nigeria needs.
“I have been in the corridors of government for the past 20 years. We are here on a rescue mission.”
Ezenwafor, a former aide to Willie Obiano, former governor of Anambra, also served under Obi.
On his part, Okafor, factional chairman of the party, described the candidate as “a man of integrity”.
“Having met all the requirements of the party, we hereby affirm you to be the presidential candidate of the Labour Party come 2023,” he said.
Okafor, however, said he has nothing against Obi.
“I am fighting for what is my right. I am not fighting my brother. Those who think I’m being used should have a rethink,” he said.
With NAN report
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