2019 election: I joined APC to support Buhari, follow my father’s footsteps – Ojukwu Jr.

First son of the late Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, has noted that Ndigbo supported former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, adding that now is the time to support President Buhari.

He noted that the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano are loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Emeka explained that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress APC, is to ensure that similar ideals that informed his late father’s action are upheld.

Ojukwu Jnr. who spoke with the Guardian, added that he was merely walking in his father’s steps.

He recalled that shortly after his father’s return from exile in 1982, he joined the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, rather than the Nigeria Peoples Party, NPP.

He said, “I can afford to stay back (in APGA) and wallow in sentimental politics that nkea bu nkeanyi (this is our own), but in the long run, what becomes of our tomorrow and place in the great Nigeria project, for which our forefathers laboured, invested their time, talent and even their blood?

“Which is preferable: to be a big fish in a small pond or a big fish in the ocean? Real champions are never afraid of the big league.

“That could be why late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, asserted that if you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind. Nd’Igbo are not better off with emotional politics.”

The son of the late Igbo warlord spoke in reaction to comment by re-elected Governor Willie Obiano that he considers him (Ojukwu Jr.) as of no consequence.

He said “the governor is still playing kindergarten politics.”

“So, while they seek to crucify me for joining APC, they express support and solidarity for the APC leader.

“Which is worse, to walk the talk or pander to politics of deceit and duplicity?

“What is the essence of being in a party that would rather support the presidential candidate of another party than choose its own?”

According to him, “having supported Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan in office, Nd’Igbo have decided to support President Buhari in the spirit of fairness and political goodwill.”