Senator Uche Ekwunife, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has debunked claims alleging her endorsement of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the forthcoming election.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ekwunife on Saturday.

The statement titled, “My Purported Endorsement of Peter Obi” reiterated her unalloyed support for PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

She stated that Atiku is the favourite to win the 25th February 2023 election because of his nationwide support.

According to the statement: “It has come to my notice that an online blog has been circulating articles claiming that I have endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, in the forthcoming February poll. The Online blog further attributed statements that may translate to adopting Mr Peter Obi as my candidate for the election. I want to state that those statements never emanated from my campaign council or me. Mr Peter Obi is my leader and elder brother from Anambra Central, whom I respect and hold in high esteem. But, our political aspirations have become divergent; hence, I need to focus on delivering our presidential candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and the Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, who are of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Of course, I cannot, for any reason, betray my bosom friend, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, who has been supportive of all my aspirations from time immemorial.”

Ekwunife further averred: “May I re-state that I’m of the Peoples Democratic Party, and we have candidates in all the elective positions across Nigeria, and I cannot at this point work against my party or any of her candidates for whatever reason. Mr Peter Obi is undoubtedly a force to reckon with in this election. But, he will not be able to garner the required spread to secure his win, unlike His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, who has everything it takes to win the election with a high margin.”

Reacting to the development, the media aide to Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, told Newsmen on Sunday that Ekwunife is 100 per cent in support of PDP candidates in the forthcoming election.

“Senator Uche Ekwunife supports the agenda of the PDP on all levels, which is why she is seeking re-election on the party’s platform. The opponents of Atiku Abubakar have seen the handwriting on the wall. That is why the propaganda pitched his supporters against him,” he said.