Breaking: Nestor Ezeme Withdraws from Enugu North Bye-Election, Endorses APC Candidate Ikeje Asogwa

 Nestor Ezeme Withdraws from Enugu North Bye-Election, Endorses APC Candidate Ikeje Asogwa

UDENU, ENUGU STATE — In a surprising political development ahead of the Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nestor Ezeme, has formally withdrawn from the race and declared his support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikeje Asogwa.

Ezeme made the announcement on Saturday morning at the Udenu Local Government Council Secretariat, citing his longstanding personal relationship with Asogwa, as well as his commitment to peace, unity, and fairness within the senatorial district.

According to him, politics should not be allowed to destroy relationships that have been built over many years.

"Today, we are witnessing politics without bitterness, hostility, or bloodshed. Regardless of political affiliations, we remain one people. Ikeje Asogwa and I have shared years of friendship and service to our state. We served under the same administration and contributed to the development of the education sector through different capacities. We are more than political associates; we are family," Ezeme stated.

He added that he could not stand in the way of what he described as a greater opportunity for the people of Enugu North Senatorial District.

"I am pleased that a man of Ikeje's character and competence is seeking this office. I will not be a stumbling block to the good things he intends to bring to our people. His emergence presents an opportunity for continued development, and I am proud to support him," he said.

Ezeme further explained that his decision was influenced by the long-standing principle of rotational representation within the district, a tradition he said has promoted equity and inclusiveness among the constituent local government areas.

"I have listened to the wise counsel of our people, who have consistently upheld the principle of equitable representation. I believe strongly in justice, fairness, and equity. Since the unfortunate demise of Senator Okey Ezea necessitated this bye-election, it is only right that Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area completes the tenure, just as other local governments were allowed to do in similar circumstances in the past," he noted.

The former PDP candidate subsequently called on voters across the six local government areas of the district to rally behind Asogwa at the polls.

"I urge our people to come out in large numbers and vote for Ikeje Asogwa. His record in public service speaks for itself. From his days as Director-General of Housing to serving as State Chairman of our great party and later as Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), he distinguished himself through effective leadership and outstanding performance."

Expressing confidence in the APC candidate's capacity to deliver, Ezeme concluded:

"Ikeje has consistently demonstrated competence, dedication, and a commitment to public service. I am convinced that he will not disappoint the people of Enugu North Senatorial District. For that reason, I am officially stepping down from this contest and throwing my full weight behind his candidacy."

The development is expected to significantly alter the political landscape of the bye-election, with observers describing the endorsement as one of the most consequential moments in the race.