BY INNOCENT ONYEUKWU
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State is facing a noticeable division ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 11.
This division marks a departure from the usual unity within the party since 1999 and can be traced back to the outcome of the party’s governorship primary, which has caused internal strife.
Emeka Ihedioha, a former governor of the state, withdrew from the governorship primary, citing a lack of a level playing field for the exercise.
His loyalists and followers, who make up a significant portion of the party’s support base in the state, also withdrew their involvement and participation in the activities of the party.
Also, seven members of the State Working Committee (SWC) had left the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Although Samdaddy Anyanwu emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate and has the support of the party’s national leaders, especially members of the National Working Committee (NWC), this support is not mirrored within the state chapter of the party.
Key local party leaders have distanced themselves from Anyanwu’s governorship campaigns and activities.
Notably, the party’s campaign council, established to promote Anyanwu’s gubernatorial bid, has experienced frequent boycotts by its members, particularly prominent and key leaders of the party in the state.
The absence of key figures, including former governors Achike Udenwa and Emeka Ihedioha, at the party’s campaign events highlights the internal divisions in its fold.
Other notable absentees from the party’s events lately include members of the House of Representatives from Imo State who were elected on the PDP platform: Ugonna Ozuruigbo and Ikenga Ugochinyere.
At the campaign flag-off of the party held last week in Owerri, the majority of members of the campaign council were absent. They are former deputy governor Gerald Irona, Mike Ahamba (SAN), Air Cmdr Luke Ochulor, Vitus Orikeze, Chuma Nnaji, Tony Abili, Ndukwe Nnawuchi (SAN), Julius Onyeneucheya, G.U. Madu, Bon Unachukwu, among others.
The division within the PDP in Imo State raises questions about the party’s unity and strength as it approaches the governorship election barely few weeks away.
However,despite the setbacks and internal divisions, Samdaddy Anyanwu has persisted in marketing his gubernatorial aspiration to the Imo electorate. He says he is committed to making the state safe and better if elected governor on November 11.
This newspaper gathered that he has consistently engaged in consultations with various layers of stakeholders in the state and remains one of the prominent candidates in the upcoming polls.
