Ikpeazu Denies Backing Tinubu, Faults Kalu

Governor of Abia State Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has disputed assertions made by Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu that he will back Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress in the upcoming presidential election.

Ikpeazu, a member of the G-5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party who are upset, called the statement attributed to Kalu “wishful thinking.”

The lawmaker had during an interview with Channels Television on Monday said, “Tinubu is well-liked by the North and is from the South-West and is going to get a [sizeable] vote in Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra and Enugu. And he’s going to have the support of Governor Wike of Rivers State, so we’re on track.

“My governor here, Okezie Ikepazu, will also support Tinubu. My senatorial district is going to give Tinubu the vote, the puncher to give the 34, 35 per cent to be on the ballot,” he said.

Debunking the claim while speaking after inspecting the ongoing final asphalt overlay on Faulks Road, Aba, Ikpeazu said that “no member of G5 can railroad another member into supporting anyone against his will as suggested by Senator Kalu”.

Backing Ikeazu, the Director of Strategic Engagement, Abia State PDP Campaign Council, Chief John Kalu, said the claims were just mere politics.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ikpeazu has not endorsed Tinubu and will not endorse him because he is a leader that is guided by the feelings of his people.

“PDP remains formidable and all our candidates in the forthcoming elections hold very strong prospects of winning, in Abia”, he said.