A gubernatorial aspirant in Anambra State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Annie Okonkwo, representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, yesterday said his ambition to contest for governorship of Anambra State in 2010 should not be viewed as a betrayal of the relationship which he enjoys with Governor Peter Obi.
He said that he is contesting against Obi, because he belongs to opposition political party- All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), noting that if Obi had been in PDP, he may have conceded to him.Okonkwo, who disclosed these yesterday during a parley with newsmen at his Ikoyi-residence, said he is in the race because he is the best man for the number one seat in Anambra State.
According to him, the current crisis in the state chapter of PDP would be resolved amicably and that he is better positioned to clinch the party's only gubernatorial ticket for the 2010 election.
On whether his ambition is not a betrayal on Obi, Okonkwo said It is not because this is about democracy and of Peter (Governor Obi) is in different party. I wished that he is in PDP, if he had been in PDP, may be, I may decide to concede to him as my friend.
But today he is in a different political party and it will be difficult for me to allow any opposition party to take over power in Anambra. That is the situation."
Okonkwo stated further: There is nobody more prepared to take over the job in terms of what I intend to do, in terms of where I want to take the state to and in terms of where the state is today.My mission is to make Anambra State number one state in terms of infrastructure, development and tourism-friendly destination among others in Nigeria, Africa and among the 100 top places to live in the world.
