From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
A Labour Party chieftain in Enugu State, Chief Emmanuel Ike-Jonathan, on Saturday, hailed the decision of the governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections in the state, Hon Chijioke Edeoga, “to consult widely” before responding to the appeal for him to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the party”s state leadership.
Edeoga, a former member of the House of Representatives, was a member of the PDP up until 2023 when he joined LP to contest the governorship seat. The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Mbah winner with about 3,000 vote margin ahead of Edeoga. Edeoga contested the result up to the Supreme Court.
Recall that a delegation of Enugu PDP led by the state Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, on Friday, visited Edeoga to plead with him to return to PDP.
Edeoga had replied that he would consult widely before considering the request to return to the PDP.
Jonathan, who spoke to newsmen in Nsukka, said that the response made by Edeoga shows that he has so much respect for his supporters.
“It is a confirmation that he truly believes that he is a product of the people’s mandate,” said.
Jonathan, a former Adviser to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, said the outcome of the 2023 general election in which the Labour Party won two of the three Senate seats, seven of the eight House of Representatives seats and 14 of the 24 House of Assembly seats in the state “demand that Edeoga should as a matter of courtesy and respect consult his supporters before making any political movement or decision”.
According to him, “The victory recorded by LP in Enugu State was achieved by high commitment and dexterity of supporters who worked tirelessly to see that LP came out victorious.
“LP supporters gave an intimidating outing in their various wards across the state. Edeoga, as a man of integrity and honour, has every reason to consult us before making any political movement because he knows how much sacrifice we made to support him as our governorship candidate in that election and the party to attain the impressive outing we recorded.
“If the LP in Enugu State did not put up an impressive outing in the 2023 general election, Gov Mbah and his party leadership will not be wooing Edeoga to return to PDP. We rejected monies and other forms of gratifications to ensure that LP took over the state.”
Jonathan urged LP supporters to remain steadfast in their commitment, respect and love for Edeoga.
