The 2023 Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, has said internal saboteurs intentionally frustrated the party’s efforts in the last general election.

Emenike stated this at the weekend while addressing leaders and members of the party at Umukabia Okpuala, Umuahia North local government, after his family’s 2024 annual thanksgiving church service.

He said it had since become clear that the saboteurs, while masquerading as party faithful, deliberately orchestrated its loss at the poll because of their indifference to his agenda to rescue and develop the state.

Nevertheless, the development economist and journalist maintained that: “We’re not down yet. Those who think we’re down should wait and see. We’re going to rebuild the party.”

The party leader assured the faithful that “despite the temporary setback, those committed to the desired change in the state were still focused on working toward the objective”.

He said he had been deeply reflecting on what had happened from the beginning to the end of the election process and would make his observations public later.

Emenike, who explained that before the end of April next year, reengineering of the party would have commenced, lauded members who have remained stable and unshakeable.

According to him, the theme of the service, which was “Our Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25) “, should  be the summation of our hope  because there’s is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Earlier in an address, the state chairman of Abia APC, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu expressed exasperation at the level of treachery and betrayal exhibited by the saboteurs and their paymasters.

His words: “But today, by every standard their lives are by no means better-off than yours who saw the need for a change in the state and worked for it.”

The ex-banker, therefore, enjoined the faithful “to remain steadfast, loyal and strong with the hope that tomorrow will be better, by God’s grace”.

During the thanksgiving service at St. John Methodist Church Umukabia Okpuala, Rev Felix Akara, in his homily said God is not yet through with what he destined Emenike for.

The founder/president of God’s Heritage Ministries International, Port Harcourt,  explained that he had seen in him the qualities required to lead and drive development at all levels in the country.

“I say this because he is straightforward, reliable, and dependable. He has impacted lives and mentored many and possesses all the qualities required of leadership in this country,” he said.

The cleric told Emenike that “people with your qualities are hardly given chance to lead. But it is God Himself that will make it happen. At the fullness of time, He will make it work at the level He wants it.”

He lauded him “for always bringing home his entire family for the annual thanksgiving service as a mark of appreciation to God for his benevolence,” adding that God will continue to bless him.