Kuzholuzo Azo Neinu withdraws his name as candidate for NPF president

 Kuzholuzo Azo Neinu withdraws his name as candidate for #NPF president #Nagaland #NagaPeoplesFront.... writes letter to incumbent party chief Shurhozelie saying "we are already weak and we should take all measures to strengthen the party".

   

In his letter to veteran Shurhozelie, the former Nagaland Minister and Phek MLA, further states - "Though I am the lone candidate for the post of president, I would like to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature in the best interest of the party with a request to reinstate the previous Central Election Board with the same members and not create a new Election Board as the same will further divide the party".

"We are already weak and we should take all measures to strengthen the party and not weaken the party. Therefore I have taken the decision in order to strengthen the party and I believe you will do the same as I no more in the race," Azo wrote.  

When contacted over phone, Azo declined to comment on 'internal matters of the party' but hastened to add, "...if the contest is genuine, I may be still in the race. In our party, the much respected party workers will take the final decision...I am all for maintaining unity and harmony in my party". 

According to party insiders high political drama started on Oct 11.

The Central Election Board Meeting which was held on 11 th Oct to Elect it's new President was held in a hotel at Kohima . To the 'surprise' of many before the meeting even started, incumbent President Dr Shurhozelie entered the meeting hall and stated that Mr Kuzholuzo Nienu (Azo) cannot be made the President as he is holding the post of Leader of NPF Legislature party.

He also stated that Mr Apong be made the President to which the eight members including the Chairman reportedly objected to it.

Sources close to Azo claim on Oct 4th, Azo had personally met Shurhozelie and sought his blessings. In fact, 87-year-old Shurhozelie also understood to have instructed some party leaders to "support" the candidature of Azo.

An impression had gone that Mr Azo Neinu had 'moved' close to NDPP leadership and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and could go ahead with a 'merger' move -- something probably even Rio will be too keen to achieve.  NPF hs two MLAs including Azo and the party extends support to Rio-led NDPP-BJP dispensation.

Now, focus will shift to Oct 21 party's general body convention when Apong may take over as the new chief replacing veteran Shurhozelie, who has been in the post for last two decades. 

In fact, NPF got the new name on the eve of 2023 assembly elections after 'Congress rebels' including the likes of Neiphiu Rio and K Therie decided to work with the regional outfit NPC. 

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