ADC Governorship Candidate Steps Down in Anambra, Hands Over to Nwosu

In a dramatic political turn ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, Mr. Patrick Obianyo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate and former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, has stepped down from the race.

Obianyo made the announcement on Friday during the ADC Governorship Substitution Primary Election held in Awka, where Mr. John Nwosu emerged unopposed as the party’s new flag bearer. The event, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marked a pivotal shift in the party’s electoral strategy.

Citing personal health concerns, Obianyo said he could no longer shoulder the “burden of the aspiration,” revealing that his blood pressure had risen due to the stress associated with the campaign.

“Please stop calling me ‘His Excellency’. That appellation has stopped today,” he declared emotionally. “I am not regretting, rather I am happy that I am handing over the baton to a more capable hand.”

Obianyo expressed confidence in Nwosu’s ability to carry the party to victory, calling him “a more capable hand” and expressing satisfaction in his decision to step aside.

Nwosu, a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party, was elected unopposed through a voice vote and officially returned by the Deputy National Chairman of ADC, Chief Anayo Arinze.

Arinze described the substitution process as transparent and in full compliance with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

In his acceptance speech, Nwosu signaled his readiness to take on the challenge, pledging to lead efforts to unseat the incumbent administration.

“This occasion marks an important junction in the efforts to rescue Anambra,” he said. “I am glad to be part of the larger ADC family, much work remains to be done. Let us go and get the job done.”

He added, “We will partner with ADC, her alliance and coalition partners to form a formidable opposition that will dislodge the incumbent administration.”

Speaking further, Nwosu reassured party members and supporters that his political structure, known as “Mission and Vision,” remains intact and committed to the ADC agenda.

His Campaign Director, Mr. Ben-Chuks Nwosu, also praised his principal, describing him as an ICT expert with the capacity and strategy needed to win the election and transform Anambra State.

With this major reshuffling, the ADC appears to be repositioning itself for a stronger showing at the polls, as the countdown to the November election begins in earnest.