Ahead of the 2023 general elections, especially as it concerns Imo State, the need for former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, PDP National Secretary-Designate to join forces have been emphasized.
Former Director General, Imo State Bureau of Statistics, Mazi Enyinna Amadikwa who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in Owerri, discribed the emergence of Senator Anyanwu as an added advantage to the Imo State Chapter.
He said, “Our leader, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has dedicated almost all his life and as well invested so much to providing purposeful leadership for PDP in Imo State. He has done this for the past decade. You will recall that through the instrumentality of his office as Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives he cushioned the effects of PDP’s loss of power in 2011 and reenergise the party.
“I am a witness because I was involved. I am in the know of the huge sacrifices and investments Hon. Ihedioha has made in the party. Even when he lost the 2015 governorship election, he quickly got over it and carried the party through the turbulence of Senator Ali modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi feud, such that today, our party is strong and formidable.
Mazi Amadikwa, a political strategist, maintained that the emergence of Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary should be a plus for the PDP to reclaim its mandate. This he said is because, “Imo PDP owes Imo electorate a duty to remain united and focused as it is the only party that can save Imolites from hardship and insecurity from the failed APC.”
“I am of the strong opinion that Senator Samdaddy must use the instrumentality of his office as the National Secretary to compliment the efforts of Hon. Ihedioha and other leaders to ensure that PDP wins back power in 2023.
Reacting to the successful hosting of the 4th Anniversary of Egbu Declaration, Amadikwa hailed the momentum the Egbu Declaration generated in Owerri Zone and across the state. He urged the people of Owerri zone to remain United, focused and continue to reach out to other zones and relevant stakeholders. “PDP remains the surest vehicle towards reclaiming Owerri Zone Mandate in 2023. The people of Owerri Zone must remain United and negotiate with other stakeholders in Okigwe and Orlu Zones.” He averred.
On the rumoured cold war between Hon. Ihedioha’s supporters and that of Senator Anyanwu, he dismissed such rumours as baseless and untrue, but cautioned followers of both men to remain vigilant to the antics of fifth columnists and rather channel their energy towards helping to market the PDP.
The Ahiazu Mbaise born, UK based technocrat insisted that the rumours purporting that Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and other distinguished leaders in the region were against Senator Anyanwu’s candidature were discovered to be the handiwork of mischief makers, whom the outcome of the Convention had put to shame.
“I am happy that Senator Samdaddy has warned gossips and sycophants to stay far from him and Hon. Ihedioha so that they can join forces and lead the party to victory. I urge members of our party and Imolites at large to learn from the magnanimity and sagacity of Hon. Ihedioha. You could see the way he threw his weight behind Senator Anyanwu to ensure a hitch free election at the Convention. That is the spirit I want to see in the party. There should not be unnecessary rancor within the party because the task ahead is enormous and we need everybody to achieve our target.
He advised Senator Anyanwu to always seek support and consult with his colleagues, the party leadership in Imo State and the Southeast region to arrive at a consensus on critical issues affecting the party.