Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the first military governor of Gombe State under late General Sani Abacha, Group Captain Joseph Orji (Rtd.) has reaffirmed the position of Aninri Local Government Area in their choice of a governorship candidate in the State, stressing that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. Peter Mbah, is their preferred governorship flagbearer.

The respected elder statesman while disclosing their decision to support Mbah against other contenders at Ndeabor, the headquarters of Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Sunday, when the latter paid the people a thank you visit insisted that the State picked a “humanist and somebody who is the people’s choice.”

Group Captain Orji further stated that he knew Mbah long before his emergence as the PDP guber flagbearer, adding that his choice wasn’t accidental as he consulted widely and reached out to people across aboard.

Expressing joy over the decision of the party, Group Captain Orji described Mbah as a blessing for the people of the state while assuring of the support and commitment of his people.

“I knew Peter Mbah, and when he was about embarking in this journey, he informed me. I was aware of his candidature, and we have settled for him. His coming on board as the governorship flagbearer of our party is a blessing. So, he has the blessings of Aninri people as well as mine.

“I am happy to know that all the dreams of Aninri and Enugu State have been put together under his care and we trust and have faith that he’s going to do well.

“We have already adopted you (Mbah) as one of us for a long time. We will have you as our first choice in the local government area,” Orji added.

Meanwhile Mbah, while addressing the people said he came on a thank you visit to express his gratitude over the local government's support during the PDP governorship primary election held on May 25, 2022. He appreciated them for entrusting their mandate on him and promised to come again when campaign commences.