I am Still in Benue Governorship Race, Says Prof. Angwe

Nath Gbaoron

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)‘s governorship candidate in Benue State, Professor Bem Angwe, has debunked reports that he, along with eight other governorship candidates and their political parties, have endorsed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate, Mr. Titus Uba ahead of the Saturday rescheduled poll in the state.

He said the information linking him with the purported endorsement was political propaganda being taken too far.

A press statement by the press secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom, Nathaniel Ikyur, had alleged that Professor Angwe and NNPP were among the political parties and candidates which collapsed their structures into that of the PDP in an alliance to secure victory for the ruling party in the state.

The statement quoted the supposed leader of the political parties, Mr. Paul Aondofa Tor as hinting at the decision to support Engr. Uba on their conviction that he was the only candidate that would sustain the good works of Governor Samuel Ortom.

“Mr Tor, who is the State Chairman of National Rescue Movement, NRM pointed out that the nine political parties were determined to ensure that Engr Uba who would not “trade the state in the hands of people who will render us homeless tomorrow” wins the governorship election,” the statement noted.

However, the NNPP’s governorship candidate noted that neither he nor his party were privy to such an arrangement, adding that, “as we speak, I’m on a campaign in Oju local government area, where I was received by a crowd of supporters on my way to Benue Government House on Saturday.”

He said those behind his alleged endorsement of the candidate of a party which has succeeded in drawing the state back several decades with its dismal outing, aimed to create anxiety and disaffection among his supporters ahead of the Saturday poll.

He noted that the PDP and its backers are afraid and intimidated by his rising profile as a candidate to beat come Saturday and opted to create tension among his supporters.

He urged all loyal party members and teeming supporters to discountenance the press statement and focus on ensuring that the party triumph at the poll on Saturday.