A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh has picked the Labour Party ticket for the senatorial race in 2023.
Chief Umeh, who is also a former Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in the 8th Senate, had, earlier on Friday, given notice of his defection to Labour Party from APGA.
He had also announced his decision to contest in the primary election of the party.
The Returning officer in the primary election, Pat Nky Obi, while declaring the result, announced Chief Umeh as the Labour Party’s sole contestant, and said he won all 32 valid votes to become the party’s candidate.
In an interview, Chief Umeh said he was “very happy” that Labour Party offered him the opportunity to continue to defend the people.
“At this point of our nation’s history,” he said, “it is very important that I go to the Senate and represent our people. I have been there before and our people saw what I was able to do.
“Labour Party will afford me the opportunity to reunite with my brother, Peter Obi again. He called me last Saturday to commiserate with me on my loss of the APGA ticket and asked me to join Labour Party and let’s team up and work together.
“I immediately resigned from my party on 30th and registered in Labour Party on 31st of May. I will put all my weight and ensure we win.”
Radio Nigeria reports that Chief Victor Umeh will be contesting for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat against Senator Uche Ekwunife of PDP, Dozie Nwankwor of APGA, and Dr Anthony Umeadi of YPP.
Reporting by Uche Ndeke; Editing by Daniel Adejo and Tony Okerafor