A former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, has debunked the speculation making the rounds that he had joined the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Ohakim, in a statement issued by the Director General of his Campaign Organization, Austine Otuokere, in Owerri, the state capital, stated that he would not join the APC without informing the members of his political family.
Ohakim, who held sway between 2007 and 2011, acknowledged that the current atmosphere had necessitated people joining the ruling party.
The statement read, “Excellency, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has been inundated by calls and inquiries from friends, political associates and family members over his purported decampment to the All Peoples Congress, APC.
“His Excellency, however, wishes to state, quite unequivocally, that he is yet to decamp to the APC or any other political party for that matter.
“His Excellency takes full cognizance of the fact that the current political atmosphere in the country gives room for speculations but camp changing by a person of his caliber and pedigree is not something he could smuggle into the internet.
“While Dr. Ohakim is also aware of the sweeping enthusiasm of Nigerians across the different states of the federation to join the ruling party, any moves by him in a similar direction must be in the full glare of all Nigerians and with the full participation of members of his political family, thus offering a photo opportunity for a reliable communication of his current political preferences.
“Dr. Ohakim, therefore, wishes to seize this opportunity to enjoin his political associates, supporters and numerous admirers alike to disregard this rumour and await any further possible directives and communication from him.”
(Punch)