The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has denied allegations that he owes a business partner the sum of N1 billion.
Ukachukwu was alleged last week to have been harassed in an Abuja hotel by the said partner, with a viral video of the incident circulated by aides of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the APC governorship campaign council in Awka, Ukachukwu described the claims as a smear campaign aimed at diverting attention from what he called Soludo’s poor performance.
“I’m worth billions, I cannot owe N1 billion. Those spreading such lies only want to distract the people because they are stealing our money,” he said. “They talk about me and my deputy because they know we are their major problem.”
Outlining his campaign agenda, the APC candidate promised to reposition Anambra as an industrial hub by creating an enabling environment for businesses through cheaper energy, electricity and labour. He also pledged to develop agro-based value chains and improve the state’s performance in education and governance rankings.
“We already have the human capital. What we need is the right environment for business to thrive again,” he added.
Ukachukwu’s running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, said it was time for Anambra to align with the centre, while the party’s state chairman, Mr. Basil Ejidike, noted that the inauguration was for the state-level council, with zonal, local government and ward structures to follow.
Mr. Dozie Ikedife Jnr. was named Director-General of the state campaign council.
