…Edeoga begs Odengene

By Chinyere Njoku

There is palpable tension and anxiety in the camp of the embattled Enugu State factional governorship candidate of Labour Party, Mr Chijioke Edeoga, as the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja is set to deliver judgement on who between Edeoga and the aviation mogul, Capt. Evarest Nnaji is the authentic candidate of the party for the 2023 elections.

As anxiety thickens, it has emerged that Edeoga has made secret overtures to Capt. Nnaji, popularly known as Odengene, to withdraw the court case against him so that he (Edeoga) can remain the governorship candidate of Labour Party in the state.

Speaking at his Enugu residence, a chieftain of Labour Party in the state, Hon. Ugochukwu Anieke told newsmen that the party has been in disarray since Edeoga and Nnaji defected to the party after woefully losing the PDP primaries.

Hon. Anieke said he "got a call from Barr. Chijioke Edeoga to lead some of the leaders of Labour Party in Enugu State to plead with Capt. Nnaji to withdraw the court case and allow him run for the governorship election.

"While persuading me, Edeoga even assured me of a juicy position in his cabinet if he eventually becomes the governor, but I bluntly told him that I can't embark on such fruitless mission at my age. This is because looking at the case in court, it is obvious that the ruling will be in favour of Odengene."

Anieke who expressed disappointment over the manner in which Edeoga is seeking power, further noted that "Edeoga's ambition is marred by desperation and that is why nothing is working for him. We, the leaders of the party have talked to him on several occasions to respect the decision of the party and yield the party's governorship ticket to the authentic candidate recognized by the national body, but as a stubborn man that he has been, he refused to listen to us.

"Now, every available hint concerning the court case indicates that the ruling will be in favour of Odengene. So, tell me why I should waste my time to go and beg Odengene," Anieke said.

Some close associates of Edeoga who pleaded anonymity have confirmed that their principal has been having sleepless nights over the possible outcome of the court ruling being against him, which they admitted has seriously affected their campaign so far by demoralizing their followers.

Recall that Edeoga’s factional governorship campaign flag-off held last week at Eha Amufu in Isi Uzo LGA witnessed a dismal turnout as most members of the party boycotted the gathering due to uncertainties surrounding the authenticity of Barr. Edeoga as the governorship flag bearer.

An online report had it that Edeoga had earlier made secret arrangements to hire people from nearby states to fill the flag off venue in an attempt to give false impression that a mammoth crowd attended the rally, but the plan couldn't go through as it leaked ahead of time.

The court judgement has been scheduled for November 2, amidst confusion and apprehension in his camp.