by ‘Jola Sotubo

The race is on in Anambra State with the prize being the governorship seat.

The competitors for the position of citizen number one of Anambra State are Chief Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Tony Nwoye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Chris Ngige of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to reports, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday, emerged winner in the primaries conducted by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)  in Awka, the state capital. APGA is the ruling party in the state with Governor Peter Obi elected on its ticket.

Obiano was a Deputy Director of Fidelity Bank PLC. He hails from Anambra East council in the Anambra North Senatorial Zone of the state. APGA had stated that it zoned the governorship position to Anambra north.

Obiano got 817 votes out of the possible 1,076 according to the Chairman of the electoral Panel, Chief Martin Agbaso. House of Representatives member Mrs Uche Ekwunife got 150 votes to place second.

Chief Patrick Obianwu also from Anambra north, stepped down for Obiano, saying his move would keep the dream of the zone producing the next governor alive.

The remaining six aspirants and their votes are: Chief Paul Odenigbo (49 votes), Emeka Nwogbo (22 votes) John Nwosu (18 votes) Mr. John Emeka whose withdrawal was turned down for his absence, scored one vote. Sixteen votes were voided.

Also yesterday, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Bamanga Tukur announced Tony Nwoye as its governorship candidate.

Nwoye emerged on Saturday from the primaries conducted by the national secretariat -recognised Chief Ken Emekayi Group while Senator Andy Uba was elected as the candidate by the factional congress conducted by court and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-recognised chairman of the State PDP, Chief Ejike Oguebego.

Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress is slated for Monday, but following a consensus arrangement announced last week, Senator Chris Ngige has been picked as the candidate of the APC.

The Monday APC congress will only serve as the coronation of his candidacy.