From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
The immediate past Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation And Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Elias Mbam,  has denied any plan to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation was rife in Ebonyi that he was planning to leave the party because of the way he was treated in his bid to pick the governoship ticket of the party in Ebonyi state
Mbam had resigned his appointment at RMAFC to contest the APC gubernatorial primary election in Ebonyi state.
But on the day of the primary, Mbam’s supporters were allegedly attacked and chased out of the venue which prompted him and his supporters to move to his campaign office in Abakaliki to conduct a parallel primary where he emerged the candidate of the party.
However on October 4th when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published names and particulars of governorship candidates of political parties Mbam’s name was not there. Instead, it was the name of his rival and Speaker of Ebonyi state House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, that was published as the Ebonyi APC Governorship candidate.
The incident triggered speculation that Mbam was leaving the party.
But addressing his supporters in Abakaliki on Sunday, Mbam reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the APC.
Media Assistant to the ex RMAFC boss, Obinna Udenwe, who released a statement on the outcome of the meeting said “today the 9th of October 2022, the former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission, Engr Elias Mbam met and addressed   key leaders of support groups and critical stakeholders of  who have been instrumental to his gubernatorial project in the All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi state.
“At this meeting, Engr. Elias Mbam acknowledged the overwhelming support, solidarity, prayers and love expressed and accorded him by Ebonyi people across political, religious and social divides which metamorphosed into a strong movement, from the time he indicated interest to run for governor of Ebonyi state till now. He thanked Ebonyi people for this immeasurable solidarity and support.
“He also thanked the various support groups, his strategy teams and key stakeholders of Ebonyi state, for believing in his capacity to lead Ebonyi state, for their immense sacrifices, and for working hard to ensure that Ebonyi is led by one they believe would help actualize the Ebonyi dream of our founding fathers.
“Engr. Elias Mbam reiterated his strong commitment to the All Progressives Congress, stating that he has no plans of leaving the APC for any other party. He enjoined his teeming supporters and Ebonyi people to remain calm, patriotic and committed to the APC for the benefit of the state.
“Engr Elias Mbam stated that he will continue to support the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and avail the people of Ebonyi his wealth of knowledge and experience at all times.
“Finally, Engr Elias Mbam asked his supporters and indeed Ebonyi people to continue to pray for the state at all times”.