From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State, John Chuma Nwosu, has said that the election will be a test case for the coalition.
He explained that, being the first election to be conducted after ADC was adopted by the coalition as the mainstream platform, Nigerians would be eager to see how far Anambra voters will show the national urge for a new Nigeria.
Nwosu, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Monday, dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the application for the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has vitiated the coalition’s move to pool resources.
He pointed out that while the ADA was a party in search of recognition, the ADC was ready, tested, and trusted as an existing political party that has been widely acknowledged in almost all the geopolitical zones of the country.
He stated: “The ADC has been a long-established and nationally recognised party. It has never been deregistered. It’s a party in good standing, and it has always fielded credible candidates at the national and state levels.
“Quite on the contrary, the ADA is an attempt to register an entirely new party. The ADA’s application, if I recall correctly, is one of over 100 applications still pending before the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission).
“The ADA will have to cross the high hurdles of registration to get to where the ADC is presently.”
On the change of leadership within the ADC and his defection from the Labour Party, the governorship hopeful noted that since politics is dynamic, leadership changes are routine, so long as they conform with established norms.
“If the interest of the ADC is best served by a new leadership, so be it. I did not leave the LP because I could not secure the ticket. I did not want to secure a ticket illegally or support a process that was riddled with irregularities and illegalities.
“A party leadership that is incapable of respecting its own constitution and the rule of law does not stand for much. The Anambra electorate are not totally ignorant; they know and can sense who the credible and honest politicians are. It is their choice and call,” he declared.
Nwosu, who is also a tech investor, remarked that other politicians from across parties are welcome to join him on the ADC, pointing out that, unlike before, the people have become masters and determiners of the direction of governance.
While declaring his chances of clinching the November 8 gubernatorial poll in Anambra State, the ADC flagbearer stated: “As you are aware, the ADC will soon be announced as the coalition party at the national level.
“We are amenable to joining forces. Anambra will be the first test case, the ground zero for the ADC and the coalition partners to test their collective resolve. We will welcome those who have joined or who may wish to join the coalition under the ADC.
“We will be willing to discuss the coalition and power-sharing arrangements, if that will facilitate an end to Soludo’s bad government,” he added.
Nwosu said that when elected as governor, he would work hard, be humble, and carry the electorate along.
“Above all, as a servant leader, I will listen to all views before taking decisions. A good leader must be a good listener. No one knows it all. I’m not a professor, but I have common sense.”
