By Tony Okafor, Awka
Rt. Hon. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi, popularly known as Aja Ajanze, has formally withdrawn from the race for the Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia (DNA) Federal Constituency seat, declaring that his decision was guided by principle and a prior commitment to support any candidate emerging from Dunukofia for the position.
Ozodinobi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives and serves as Acting Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly, announced his withdrawal in a statement issued after what he described as extensive consultations with his family, political associates and stakeholders.
The lawmaker said his action was consistent with a pledge he made in 2023 and insisted that he would not abandon the understanding despite mounting political pressures and controversies surrounding the contest.
“This decision is taken in good conscience and guided principally by the commitment I made in 2023 to support any candidate that emerges from Dunukofia for the Federal Constituency seat,” he stated.
He maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness, fear or political intimidation, stressing instead that it was motivated by honour, integrity and the need to preserve public trust.
According to him, recent political tensions, misinformation and attacks from some aspirants had failed to sway him from keeping his word.
“I have chosen to remain faithful to my word and to the principles of integrity upon which I have built my public life,” he said.
Ozodinobi recalled that he had earlier pursued a Senate ambition under the ADC before moving to the NDC, noting however that his latest decision was aimed at preserving credibility and confidence among his supporters.
The federal lawmaker further reaffirmed his commitment to the broader political objective of ensuring the emergence of Peter Obi as President of Nigeria, describing the cause as one he remained deeply devoted to.
He called on party faithful and stakeholders within the DNA Federal Constituency to close ranks and support any credible candidate from Dunukofia that eventually emerges for the election.
Ozodinobi urged supporters to prioritise competence, capacity and grassroots appeal over division and propaganda, while promising to mobilise fully for the party’s eventual candidate.
“I will fully support and mobilize for such a candidate to ensure victory for our party in the forthcoming election,” he declared.
The lawmaker also warned against what he termed campaigns of calumny, misinformation and divisive politics, saying such actions were capable of weakening collective political progress in the constituency.
He reiterated his commitment to the development of Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia communities and pledged to continue contributing toward democratic governance and the advancement of the people’s interests.
