The Better Nigeria Peoples Party (BNPP) has conducted its governorship primary election with a non-indigene of Anambra State emerging as the flag bearer for the November 18 election.
The flag bearer, Chief Ikem Ohanugo, who hails from Imo State, was unanimously elected in a ‘yes’ voice vote by 42 delegates drawn from the 21 local government areas in the state.
Announcing the winner in Awka, the state party chairman, who doubled as the primary election chairman, Emeka Obiako, described the exercise as peaceful and decent.
He said the choice of the flag bearer was to prove that “there is no difference between Anambra and Imo states”, and that a non-indigene can also do the job.
“My candidate is not even from Anambra, but from Imo. We want to show them that Anambra and Imo are the same. Ikem was born and bred in Onitsha. Someone who has lived in Onitsha for decades can be said to be an indigene of Anambra.
“His father was the first and best chairman of the old Onitsha Local Government Area, comprising of Onitsha north, south and Ogbaru. He was also the first chairman of the Onitsha Market Traders Association (OMATA),” he said.
Obiako described the party’s candidate as humble and unassuming, adding that he is a seasoned politician, whose friendly disposition extends to all, irrespective of religious affiliation and geographical location.
In his acceptance speech, Ohanugo Ikem said he would encourage non indigenous policies and revolutionise agriculture in the state if voted into power.
