Big fat lie: Ikpeazu denies claims that he’s supporting Tinubu

The Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has faulted statements by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, that he would support the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, for the presidency.

Ikpeazu, who is a member of the aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party G-5 governors, described the statement credited to Kalu as “mere speculation and 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 Ikpeazu, 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.”

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

Backing Ikpeazu, the Director of Strategic Engagement, Abia State PDP Campaign Council, Chief John Kalu, in a statement said the claims were false.

He said, “Governor ikpeazu is a democrat and even as he frowns at some decisions of his party, the PDP, he remains a committed member of the PDP family.

“Ikpeazu is in touch with Abians and will not derail from the decision of a majority of his people which does not presently incline towards the APC or its presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu.

“It is noteworthy that the APC structures in Abia South Senatorial District have completely collapsed into the PDP as was seen during the PDP rally held at Ahiaba in Obingwa LGA. So it is laughable for anyone to imagine the governor working for the same party that has collapsed as a result of the good work the governor has been doing in the state.

“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.”

Chief Okiyi further stated that the PDP in Abia State acknowledges the frustration of opposition parties in the state, adding that, “But Abians cannot abandon the PDP which gave them over 200 roads, including four bridges, 700 new classroom blocks, sent some of their youths abroad on scholarships and trained shoemakers overseas. It is unthinkable for our people to abandon such a party which built two brand new giant firms that have been gainfully employing our people and engaging them in other numerous positive ways.”