By Vincent Ujumadu, Awka

NATIONAL chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh yesterday added his voice to the call for the government to fund political parties, arguing that it would help to reduce recrimination in the party system.

Victor Umeh

He spoke after facing the three -man screening panel for Anambra Central senatorial zone in Awka.

Umeh said: “I canvas that government appropriates money to political parties. Even representatives elected on the platform of parties should contribute to the running of political parties.

“It is an aberration that government has not been funding parties. Poor funding is the root of bad management among political parties.”

At yesterday’s screening, Umeh was the sole candidate for the zone as no other aspirant purchased nomination forms for the area, which was an indication that the coast was clear for him to emerge the candidate for the zone without challenge.

The screening panel led by the national vice chairman of APGA in the South West, Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi quizzed Umeh for about 20 minutes.

Among the questions asked him were his background, why he wants to replace the incumbent Senator for the zone, Dr. Chris Ngige and his chances of victory in the election.

Fielding questions at the end of the exercise, Umeh regretted that APGA had not been able to win the senate for the zone for the past eight years it has been in power, adding that his candidacy provides a good opportunity for the zone to have an APGA senator.

He said: “I consider it a challenge. APGA has been doing well in the past nine years. The party has a very bright future.”

“I have been receiving endorsements from my people who asked me to run for the seat and we are doing everything possible with Governor Willie Obiano to win the three senatorial seats in the state.”