Ex Anambra CJ, Prof. Umeadi joins 2023 presidential race, picks APGA N25m forms

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Prof. Nnanna Umeadi, yesterday joined the race to occupy Aso Villa, Nigeria’s seat of power, as he purchased the twenty five million naira expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) to vie for President in 2023.

Umeadi, who was State CJ during the tenure of former Governor Peter Obi in Anambra State, was accompanied by members of his support group to the APGA National secretariat in Abuja, where he paid for the Party’s presidential forms.

Speaking to journàlists after a brief closed door meeting the APGA National Chairman, Victor Ike Oye, Umeadi said he is among the most qualified among the aspirants, adding that he is bringing into his governance, rule of law and autonomy for other arms of government.

Umeadi also charged Nigerians to fight to ensure that their votes counted in the next general elections. While expressing confidence that the 2023 general election will be free and fair, the APGA presidential aspirant said though President Muhammadu Buhari signed the 2022 Electoral Act late, but it is better late than never.

Responding to the possibility of him stepping down for APGA to adopt a presidential candidate of another political party, he said “APGA has always had a presidential candidate in past elections, I am an aspirant today, and it is the thinking in APGA that in 2023, we will have a presidential candidate.

“So, in that endeavor, we will strive to change the narrative by bringing forth what has been absent, which is leadership; because in APGA, we believe that it is only good leadership that can provide change.”

Umeadi further explained that his vision as a President of Nigeria will be “to reconcile with ourselves, and it is primary in my mind, of course, my running for President is predicted on the popular vote by Nigerians at the polls. So, I urge all of us to support free and fair elections.

“I am personally stepping out as the champion of rule of law, separation of powers and due process. I hope if I have the opportunity to lead Nigeria, which I will do firmly and fairly, we will engender security for lives and property, economic revitalization, and prosperity.”

Speaking on his capacity to vie for the President of Nigeria, he said “I think that I’m as qualified as any other aspirant to serve as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, be it from APGA or any other political party.”