By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has emerged the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.

Soludo emerged the winner after beating three other contestants in a keen Governorship primary election contest held at the Women Development Centre conference hall in Awka the state capital.

Others who contested against the  ex-CBN boss include Ezenwankwo Okwudilichukwu, Okolo Damian Chibuzor and Ibe ThankGod.

From the available result of the contest announced by the chairman of the five-man panel Deacon Samson Segun Olalere, the elected APGA candidate Prof. Charles Soludo polled a total of 740 votes out of the 792 votes cast at the primary poll.

Soludo is followed by Emma Ezenwankwo who scored 41 votes, Damain Okoro with seven votes and ThankGod Ibe scored g four votes only.

UNDP launches report on impact of conflict on development in North East

In his acceptance speech, Soludo commended the delegates for voting for him overwhelmingly.

He said that Anambra is APGA and members must work to keep the spirit of the founding fathers towards industrializing the state as the economic hub of the nation.

He called on all stakeholders and other aspirants in the primary to join hands as a united family to ensure that APGA wins the November 6 Governorship contest as there is no other viable party in the state.

While promising to lift the state high in all ramifications in line with the solid foundation laid by outgoing Governor Willie Obiano, former CBN Governor said the journey to redeeming the Light of the Nation has just begun and therefore needs concerted efforts of all towards realizing the vision and mission of the objectives.

He however expressed appreciation to Governor Obiano, his wife, party leadership at the national and state level as well as all support groups, traditional rulers, the party delegates, clergies and others for their overwhelming support and prayers that led to his emergence even as he pledged that he would not fail them as a poor boy who grew from grass to grace.

According to him, all that he owes God, the state government, the party and Anambrarians is gratitude and more work to bring the state to the front burner in the country and global world through deployment of his wealth of experiences garnered over the years.