By A former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), on Tuesday, formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in his first attempt at embracing partisan politics.
Ihejirika, 65, was Nigeria’s army chief under former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010 to 2014.
He announced his decision to join the APC at his Isuikwuato country home in Abia-North senatorial district, The Nation reports.
His joining the party has ended speculation that he wants to join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has as well, heightened the speculation that he might be running for the governorship seat in the state in 2023.
According to the former COAS, he came into politics by joining the APC in order to contribute to the progress of the party at the state and national level.
“Having served almost 38 years in the military, I am convinced that it will be a waste of experience for me to remain outside government activities.
“This is because I have a lot to offer and assure you all that I will operate an open-door policy, I will also learn fast.
“My first goal is to unite the party, unity is very important because if we are united we can achieve all our goals for the state and the nation at large,” he stated.
Ihejirika’s move to the APC is considered a major boost to the ruling party ahead of the general elections in 2023.
It would be recalled that a former governor of Ogun State and campaign manager of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2019, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, recently dumped his party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
