The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Prince Leonard Uchendu, has said his kidnap by a four-man gang at Umuawulu community is political.
Speaking with The Nation yesterday in Awka, he said those who kidnapped him thought he would withdraw from the poll, adding that they should be ashamed of themselves.
The NNPP standard-bearer was kidnapped in Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government, eight days after the vigilance group members guarding him, were disarmed and withdrawn by one of the security chiefs in the state.
He said: "The God I worship has never forsaken me. That was why after five days of my kidnap, I was released.
"Before my kidnap, some people threatened me through unknown numbers that I should withdraw from the election. I stayed with the kidnappers for five days before they released me and dropped me at Okigwe in Imo State about 7:30pm. I will never forget the incident throughout my life."
Uchendu is also the president-general of Umuawulu Town Union.
He added: "The kidnap will not deter me from realising my dream. Those who kidnapped me wanted to instil fear in me so that I would withdraw from the race. But I'm not deterred."
The Nation learnt that the NNPP candidate nearly had a stroke, following the kidnap, but was treated by doctors in one of the hospitals in Enugu.
Said he: "That incident has delayed me in launching my campaign. But my party is working hard to ensure we move to the field.
"People should pray that they are not kidnapped because it is traumatic. I thank God for his mercies towards me and my family."
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