By Olayinka Owolabi
The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, has distanced herself from an offensive publication alleging infidelity against the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Frances Soludo, and has tendered an apology to the Governor and his family.
In a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Tony Ezike, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, Ekwunife said the publication did not originate from her camp. Her apology followed a 72-hour ultimatum issued by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, demanding a retraction and unreserved apology or legal action.
The Ekwunife Campaign Organization also apologised to Governor Soludo and his wife over the publication, which linked the First Lady to Chief Chris Uba, describing it as “false, malicious, and not connected” to Ekwunife’s team.
“The attention of Sen. Uche Ekwunife has been drawn to an article falsely attributed to her camp, alleging that Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, had children for Chief Chris Uba. Sen. Ekwunife categorically states that although she has been maligned, defamed, and disparaged by the Governor’s media team, the said publication did not emanate from her or her camp,” the statement read.
“She further wishes to apologise to the Governor, his wife, and the general public who may have been affected by the altercations of the past few days,” it added.
Ekwunife also urged her supporters to remain focused and avoid any publications that could suggest conflict with the First Family or any other individual as she continues her campaign.
Mrs. Soludo had, last week, challenged Senator Ekwunife to a paternity test of their respective children in any reputable medical facility worldwide, following a viral video which purportedly accused the First Lady of working under the late Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju and having a compromising relationship with him.
