The Chairman of Slok Group and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has indicated his interest to withdraw from the 2015 senatorial race for Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State.
Already, Kalu has formally notified the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, of his decision.
The former governor between 1999 and 2007, who had earlier purchased the PDP nomination forms for Abia North Senatorial District, explained that his decision to withdraw from the race was a personal sacrifice for the unity and cohesion of PDP in Abia State.
According to him: “Rather than be an intractable issue in Abia chapter of our great party, I would rather subordinate personal ambition for party cohesion.
“I hereby formally withdraw from the bid to represent the good people of Abia North in the Senate next year.”
Kalu expressed reservation over the position of the Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji, whom he accused of wanting to handpick candidates for all elective positions in Abia State.
He said: “In a democracy, this is downright outrageous, if not scandalous. And all the aspirants into these positions, not favoured by the governor, have collectively protested to the party national headquarters.”
Kalu said however that although he is no longer in the race, he will remain a loyal member of PDP.
He promised to work for the victory of the party at all levels, stressing that he will be ready to carry out any assignment given to him by the party leadership.
His words: “The PDP will continue to enjoy my goodwill and best wishes.”
The former governor pointed out that since he was not allowed to be screened and did not go through any of the stipulated processes that would lead to the emergence of candidates, he would appreciate the party to refund the nomination fees he paid.
Kalu made it pointedly clear that he was not angry with the party but only wants peace to prevail
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