The Deputy minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Toby Okechukwu has declined his nomination as the candidate of the Labour Party in the just published list by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
JOURNALIST101 had reported that Rt. Hon. Okechukwu’s name appeared on the INEC list as the candidate of the Labour Party for Awgu/Aninri/Oji-River Federal Constituency.
Though no reason was given by the lawmaker for his sudden decision, JOURNALIST101, gathered that it might not be unconnected to the inability of the Labour Party to settle the internal confusions in the party.
For instance, the person that emerged as the senatorial candidate of the Labour Party for Enugu West, Uche Ekwe is from the same ward with Toby Okechukwu.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday, Mr. Okechukwu said he won’t be leaving the PDP for any other party.
The statement reads:
“My attention has been drawn to the list of candidates for the 2023 general election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 20th September 2022 wherein my name was published as the Labour Party Candidate for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Enugu State.
“I wish to state that I will not be contesting as the candidate of the Labour Party or any other party in the said election. I remain a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. Meanwhile, my position on this matter had since been conveyed to the National Chairman of the Labour Party in my letter dated 19th July 2022.
“I deeply appreciate and can never take for granted the overwhelming goodwill of my leaders, constituents and their wish for me to be on the ballot in the 2023 general election.
“I very much understand the pains my decision is bound to cause them. However, I believe and wish to reassure them that as a constituent, I will continue to do my best and be of utmost service to them in or out of public office.
“While thanking them for their immense support and love through the years, I am supremely confident that God will remain the ultimate compass in our affairs.”
