Chinedum Elekwachi
Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Nov.8 governorship election and Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was conspicuously absent from a debate for governorship contestants in the state.
The debate was organised by the Creative Minds Center for Youth and Community Development in collaboration with Active Citizens Media.
Also absent was the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
Labour Party candidate, Dr George Muoghalu and Mr John Chuma Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were also absent.
Others who did not attend included Japhet Nweke of the Action Alliance, Mr Chukwudubem Nweke of the Action Peoples Party and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party.
No official reason explained their absence.
The governorship candidates who honoured the invitation were Chioma Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress, Prof. Geoffrey Onyejegbu (rtd.) of the New Nigeria People’s Party and Jerry Okeke of the BOOT Party.
Convener of the event, Mr. Kelechi Oduebo revealed that only the AA and APP candidates communicated their inability to attend,
He said they cited late receipt of invitations to the debate as excuse.
Executive Director of the Creative Minds Center for Youth and Community Development, Mrs. Ugochi Freeman, said the debate was targeted at offering citizens platform to interface with the candidates and assess their vision for the state.
“This is a platform to interface with the candidates vying for election. It’s time to hear them outline their profiles and plans for the state.
“It’s also time to ask the right questions and hold them accountable.
“We don’t want only political parties to decide, but the people behind the political parties as well.”
