Famous Nigerian musician, Martins Okechukwu, also known as J Martins, has
withdrawn from the Federal House of Representatives race to represent Arochukwu/
Ohafia in Abia State.
The singer hoped to represent his constituency in the House of Representatives in
2023 under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In April, the 44-year-old musician was the first Nigerian entertainer to declare to run
for political office in 2023 formally.
On Thursday, the ‘Oyoyo’ crooner said he was asked to step down and work in the
interest of his people and his party to achieve a common goal.
The singer revealed this on his Instagram page ahead of the All Progressive Congress
primaries in Abia State.
In the statement, the singer said he would not participate in any of the internal party
processes of the said election, starting with the primary.
Also, Alex Otti, a governorship aspirant whom the singer often refers to as his
political godfather, withdrew from the Abia State governorship primary election.
When PREMIUM TIMES contacted the musician, he referred our correspondent to
Desmond Ike-Chima, his manager.
The latter told this newspaper that the party prevailed on the musician to step down.
“You see how these things work; you don’t go into a political contest when you
already know you don’t have the backing of people who are your leaders. As it has to
do with politics, you may have to consult widely for objective reasons.”
“Politics is an all-inclusive game; you cannot run solo except if you want to play
selfishly.”
The manager said the singer declared his intention to run for the same position eight
years ago. Mr Ike-Chima said: “The party insisted he wait and “understand, grow, and
participate in the party’s internal politics.”
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Although Mr. Ike-Chima withheld the candidate’s name whom the singer gave up his
candidacy, he said J Martins withdrew from the race and stepped down for his cousin,
the party’s consensus candidate.
Read the full statement below:
“My interest to contest for the position of the Federal House Of Representative was
sequel to pressure on me from my constituents ( Arochukwu/Ohafia Constituency )
political associates, friends, and other well-meaning great Ohafia men and women,
who felt I possess the necessary qualifications for the job.
After much consultation with all the stakeholders from my Constituents, the party
leaders and my political GodFather, I had an audience as a follow up to the one I
earlier had with him.
Having also consulted widely with my family, supporters and well-wishers, I have
been asked to step down and work in the interest of my people and the party so that
we all can achieve the common goal, which is a better representation than what we
used to have.
It is agreed that this time is for an Ohafia extraction ( male or female ) at the Federal
House Of Representatives. I stand to support this decision as an Ohafia son and a
proud son of the rising sun from the #east# It is my pleasure to announce the
withdrawal of my interest and earlier decision to contest the position of the Federal
House Of Representative of Ohafia/Arochukwu.
I took this momentous decision firstly in the overall interest of the great people of
Ohafia, and I will, at this moment, wish to support the best possible candidate.
As a result of this, I will NOT be participating in any of the internal party processes of
the said election, starting with the primary.
I have since communicated this decision to my political GodFather, including all the
unions, our Fathers, our Mothers, my fellow Great Youths men and women of Ohafia
ukwu both home and abroad.”
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