Citypost News Desk
The Anambra State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) on Friday formally unveiled its deputy governorship candidate during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the Marble Arch Hotel, Awka.
In his opening remarks, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Ugochukwu Emeh, lauded the resilience and leadership capacity of the party’s flag bearer and immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief George Muoghalu, Ohamadike.
Chief Emeh expressed confidence that Muoghalu is the most qualified candidate for the November 8 governorship election, noting that he possesses the vision and competence to deliver the much-desired transformation in Anambra State.
Also speaking at the event, the State Deputy Chairman of the party, Hon. Obinna Christopher Okafor (OCN), commended party faithful for their unwavering loyalty and trust in the leadership. Drawing parallels with the successful administration of former Governor Peter Obi, who served with a highly reputed female deputy Dame Virgy Etiaba, he praised Muoghalu’s decision to select a distinguished woman, Mrs. Ifeoma Veronica Okaro, as his running mate. According to OCN, this strategic choice signals the party’s intent to replicate credible and inclusive governance.
He further likened Muoghalu’s legacy at NIWA to Peter Obi’s widely celebrated tenure as governor, revealing that Muoghalu, who met a little over ₦1 billion upon assuming office at NIWA, grew the agency’s reserves to approximately ₦19 billion by the time he left; a feat that underscores his capacity for sound financial management and leadership.
In a spirited presentation, Hon. George Ozodinobi, Member representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, described Muoghalu as a man of exceptional intellect and administrative acumen.
While acknowledging the achievements of the current Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Rep. Ozodinobi stated that despite Soludo’s globally acclaimed background as a former Central Bank Governor, he has failed to translate his expertise into meaningful governance outcomes in the state. He therefore called on Anambra voters to rally behind Chief Muoghalu, whose impeccable record in public service, he said, speaks volumes of the transformation he is poised to bring.
Addressing party stakeholders and supporters, Chief George Muoghalu emphasized that the Labour Party is fully prepared not only to unseat the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but also to reposition Anambra State through purposeful governance, improved infrastructure, and enhanced livelihoods for the people.
Dispelling rumours of internal discord and party defection, Muoghalu categorically affirmed the unalloyed commitment of the party’s national leader and presidential candidate, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi (Okwute Ndigbo). “Our leader, Mr. Peter Obi, has assured me personally that he remains committed to the Labour Party and will be fully involved in our campaign activities ahead of the election,” he stated. He also made it clear that no coalition with any other party will occur before the November 8 polls.
The high point of the event was the official presentation of Mrs. Ifeoma Veronica Okaro as the party’s deputy governorship candidate; a moment that was greeted with thunderous applause and a touching show of solidarity, as women leaders laid down their wrappers in a traditional gesture of overwhelming acceptance.
Mrs. Okaro, a respected educationist and administrator, hails from Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area. A former Principal Special Grade at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) and widely referred to as the “Principal of All Principals,” she is the immediate past Chairperson of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC). She also served as Education Director of the Diocese on the Niger Education Board and is currently the President of the Women’s Wing of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU).
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Okaro gave thanks to God for His grace and pledged to deploy her vast experience, particularly in mobilizing women across diverse sectors, to galvanize support for the Labour Party. She also expressed deep gratitude to Chief Muoghalu for the honour of the joint ticket and assured stakeholders of her total commitment to the party’s victory and vision for Anambra.
