The United Progressive Party (UPP) has denied the endorsement of the governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term in office.
The party in a statement by the national chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie and made available to newsmen said that its attention had been drawn to an advertisement in a national newspaper in which the candidates of some political parties, including the party’s governorship candidate, Deacon Prince Onumbu endorsed the candidature of Chief Nyesom Wike for the March 2, 2019 gubernatorial election in Rivers State, adding that the party had not endorsed the Rivers State governor.
The party dismisses the purported endorsement of Governor Wike and strongly warns all party candidates for various elective positions to desist from unauthorised endorsement of candidates of other political parties.
“The leadership of the party shall sanction any candidate who engages in anti-party activities in accordance with the clear provision of UPP Constitution registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the party said.
The statement reads in part, “In the particular case of Prince Onumbu our governorship candidate in Rivers State who embarrassed and brought the party to ridicule by proceeding to endorse the governorship candidate of PDP in Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike thereby compromising the party’s governorship ticket in Rivers State which was given to him in trust.
The Rivers State Chapter of the Party has been directed to initiate a disciplinary action against him forthwith.
“For the avoidance of doubt, UPP is contesting all offices it fielded candidates for the 2019 general elections except the position of President which the National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as its presidential candidate. The party is not in alliance with any other political party.
“We urge our candidates, members and supporters to remain focused and work for the victory of UPP candidates across the country. The party fielded credible candidates for the General Elections and expresses confidence that they will emerge victorious in the February 16 and March 2 polls. Let us boldly go into the elections with the spirit and courage of the Tiger, the symbol of our great party.”
