Anyanwu emerges PDP governorship candidate in Imo

By Peter Okolie

The National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu has emerged candidate of the party for the Nov. 11 governorship election in Imo.

Anyanwu’s emergence followed the party’s primaries held at the PDP Secretariat on Wednesday in Owerri.

The Chairman of the Panel, Mr Kenneth Okon, said Anyanwu, who was elected unopposed by the 915 delegates, polled 802 votes.

Okon, who said 853 delegates were accredited for the exercise, noted that 21 votes were invalid, seven delegates voted No, while 23 delegates abstained from the exercise.

“We were sent here to do only one thing. The errand and mission statement is very clear; to conduct the governorship primaries that will produce a candidate for our great party in Imo, who will win the election.

“Imo PDP is ready to take over power. I congratulate the PDP family for being prepared to take over the mantle of leadership in the state.

“PDP is a peaceful party from inception and has remained so. We want to use Imo to launch the national peace in our great party,” Okon said.

He commended the delegates as well as the security agencies, observers and INEC for their resilience, steadfastness and commitment.

Also speaking, the state chairman of the party, Mr Charles Ugwu said the quest of the Imo PDP to produce a consensus candidate during the primaries, followed the necessary steps required for affirmation.

In his acceptance speech, Anyanwu commended the delegates, national and state leaders as well as party faithful for their support.

He said the peaceful conduct of the primaries marked the beginning of the liberation of the state from “oppressive forces”.

Anyanwu, who described his candidacy as “divine and a mission to rescue Imo”, said his experience as former chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Area, a member of the state and national assemblies prepared him for the task.

He also commended the former governor, Mr Emeka Ihedioha for his sacrifices and decision to step down from the primaries.