The attention of The People First Mandate has described the rumoured exclusion of Dr. Philips Nto’s name from a purported list of cleared aspirants for Abia North Senate race. being circulated by some online blog sites as false, misleading and an act of desperation by his opponent.
A released endorsed on behalf of the Team by Uchenna Kalu Akpi made it clear that the APC has not officially released the final list of cleared aspirants for the senatorial contest, adding that any publication claiming otherwise should be treated as speculative, misleading, and politically motivated.
The team alleged: ” The level of desperation Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and his camp have descended to is both shocking and revealing. Since Dr. Philips Nto declared his intention to contest for the Senate seat, there has been visible panic from a political structure that once believed the seat was untouchable and permanently reserved.
“It is now becoming increasingly obvious that certain forces are uncomfortable with the growing popularity, grassroots acceptance, and momentum surrounding Dr. Philips Nto across Abia North. Rather than prepare for a transparent and democratic primary election, attention has shifted toward propaganda, sponsored publications, and attempts to manipulate public perception,” the noted.
According to ‘The people First Mandate Team’, the use of sponsored blogs to spread unverified and selective information only exposes fear of open political competition.
“If there is truly confidence in popularity and performance, why the desperation to suppress, distract, or discredit another aspirant before the party even releases an official list?” the Team queried.
The group pointed out that Democracy thrives on fair competition, not media intimidation or political panic and assured that no amount of sponsored misinformation can erase the growing support Dr. Philips Nto continues to enjoy among youths, professionals, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters across the zone.
“The truth remains simple: APC has not officially released the final list of cleared aspirants, and Dr. Philips Nto remains fully in the race.
The fear, propaganda, and desperation from certain quarters only confirm one thing, the “Nto Wave” is real, and it is shaking the foundations of those who never expected a credible challenge,” the group concluded.
