From Godwin Tsa
A former governorship aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Godwin Ityoachimin, has reaffirmed his membership of the party, stating that it remains the only viable platform to actualise his political ambition.
Ityoachimin, in a statement in Abuja, urged members of the public and party supporters to ignore rumours of his defection to another political platform, as it does not represent his political vision.
He said he remains convinced that the APC has done well over the period it has held sway while expressing the belief that the fortunes of the party have continued to improve, as manifested in the mass defections into its fold by the opposition.
His statement was in reaction to publications in some quarters that he is a member of a political group, NPCG, which he described as faceless.
“My attention has been drawn to the list in circulation under the auspices of Benue State (NPCG), apparently a purported political coalition group which also featured my name.
“I wish to state clearly without fear of contradiction that I am not privy to this group and do not belong thereto in any way. I have never been invited to or attended any of their meetings.
“I have not authorised or mandated anyone to add me to such a group; whoever did that did so without my consent.
“I am an honourable man, independent and of a sound mind. I cannot, therefore, be coerced or stampeded to join a group which at best has a very uncertain future. My advice for the handlers is to look elsewhere; I am not for them,” the statement read.
Ityoachimin, who hopes to actualise his ambition come 2027, emphasised that he remains a proud card-carrying member of the APC and has not contemplated political fraternity with any group or persons outside the ruling party.