By Favour Goodness
Leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra North senatorial zone have pledged their unalloyed support to Mr Valentine Ozigbo, the party’s candidate for the November 6 Anambra governorship election.
Loading ...The stakeholders made this announcement at the end of a crucial meeting convened in Ogbaru Local Government Area by Hon Chukwuka (Chuchu) Onyema, the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
In his address to the gathering, Onyema said he called the meeting to enable the party leaders to brainstorm how to ensure victory for Ozigbo in the forthcoming guber election.
“We need to correct the impression that Anambra North senatorial zone, and Ogbaru LGA in particular, is now a catchment of the APC. It is not,” Hon Onyema declared.
“Despite the exit of some leaders, our dear party remains intact. Nobody in our party left with them.
“As we all know, no other party will favour or has favoured us more than PDP.
“APGA has failed the people of Anambra, and no well-meaning Anambra person will support APC,” the federal lawmaker said.
At the summit, Onyema also addressed the topical issues surrounding the election including concerns that the ruling party at the center planned to hijack the election through violence.
“I also want to ease the fear in many people that a particular political party wants to hijack the governorship election. It is not possible,” Hon Onyema said.
“Nobody can rig the election at the polling units, and we will not allow the imposition of a governor on Anambra.
“It is the electorate that has the power to choose their governor, not the cabal. I have invested so much in this party because I believe it is my home. So, who will I leave my home for?”
Other PDP leaders from the zone also took turns to unanimously pledge total commitment towards the PDP and its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo.
A former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Emeka Iduu, charged PDP faithful in the zone to prove a point with the November 6 election.
“We are a PDP family, and we will remain in PDP and work for PDP. Nobody can sell us or use us in institutionalising a Fulani agenda in Anambra,” Iduu insisted.
Several high-ranking PDP members from the zone were present at the meeting, including three members of the Anambra State House of Assembly – Hon Douglas Egbuna (Onitsha South), Hon Somto Udeze (Ogbaru II) and Hon Noble Igwe (Ogbaru I).
Others are Comrade Okey Asolo, the Deputy Chairman of the PDP in Anambra State; Hon Francis Udoba, the Vice-Chairman (Anambra North); Comrade Ogom Izukanne, the Youth Leader of the party in Anambra State; and Chief Ejike Oguebego, a former State Chairman of the PDP.
Also present were Hon Joe Isiagu, Hon Onyekwelu Mbanefo, Chief Dan Nwabueze, Mrs Oby Ndiogwulu, Comrade Patrick Afubera, Dr Okwudili Iweama, and Chief Okwudili Okoli.
Since emerging as the PDP flag-bearer, Valentine Ozigbo has garnered support from several powerful political blocs and support groups.
On Friday, Anambra youths endorsed Ozigbo in a gathering at Grand East Hotel, Awka. They declared that he was the most youthful of all the candidates, demonstrated the best competence, and also has the best blueprint for transforming the fortunes of the state.
Already regarded as a frontrunner in the race for governorship, Ozigbo named a seasoned and respected public administrator from Anambra North, Mrs Azuka Enemo, a two-time Commissioner of Local Government Affairs as his running mate. This move has been hailed by prominent leaders in the PDP, women groups, traditional rulers in the southeastern state.
