Ahead of 2015 elections, former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu has told President Goodluck Jonathan not to drop vice president Namadi Sambo as his running mate when he declares for re-election as called for from some quarters.
Kalu said those calling for the president to drop Sambo as his running mate were “political jobbers” seeking to create confusion in the party and disaffection in the seat of power.
The ex-governor, who recently returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also availed that he had picked up a nomination form to run for a senatorial seat to represent Abia North.
He made the assertions on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the Murtala Mohammed international airport, Lagos on his way out of the country.
Kalu said: “Considering the good working relationship between the duo of President Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo, the wise thing is to allow the same team fly the party flag. Not only that Sambo has been loyal to the President, he has also supported and added value to the transformation agenda of the present administration.
“In order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in government, the President gave a mandate for the Vice President to oversee some government agencies and technical committees for which, Sambo has performed credibly well. In addition, he has also contributed to the party by maintaining peace and unity in PDP especially in the North. Forget what anyone says, give it to Sambo, he remains a seasoned professional and a consummate politician,”
He also talked down rumours that President Jonathan was considering PDP chairman, Adamu Muazu as his running mate. he said: “I see that as a rumour. Our national chairman, Muazu is busy running the affairs of the party ahead of the forthcoming general elections. Remember, PDP remains the largest party and as such, Muazu has a lot on his table. I know he is not thinking in the direction of political jobbers.
“Anyone proposing Muazu as running mate to President Jonathan is an enemy of PDP. Jonathan/Sambo ticket remains the best. I urge perpetrators of such rumour not to cause confusion between trio of Jonathan, Sambo and Muazu. God has placed everyone in his rightful position.”
On his senatorial ambition, Kalu said: “Last week I picked my nomination form at Wadata Plaza.I decided to run for Senate after several calls by the good people of Abia North for a better representation. I and Governor Theodor Orji are from different senatorial zones and more so, the mandate belongs to the people.
“Before venturing into politics I had been empowering my people; same when I was in public office, so based on this, I am assured of victory in the forthcoming election.”
