Anambra2021: PDP Intensifies Campaign For Candidate From South Zone
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra South Senatorial District Chapter has set up a 15-man committee to champion the emergence of a candidate from the zone ahead of Nov. 6 governorship election in the state.
The committee was set up at a Stakeholders’ meeting in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area chaired by Chief Emmanuel Ebene, the Vice Chairman of PDP, Anambra South Senatorial District on Saturday.
Mr Okoli Akirika, Secretary of PDP in Anambra told journalists said the committee would consultations and engage major stakeholders to ensure the South zone produces an electable and widely acceptable candidate for PDP.
Akirika said zoning, though a thorny issue was a matter of party policy as contained in Chapter 1(7) of PDP constitution which also provides for rotation of political offices that the it was in line general feeling that Anambra South should produce governor.
“We resolved to set up a committee that will work out the nitty-gritty regarding zoning so that at the end of the day, Anambra PDP will have a united front and present a candidate that can win election.
“What happened was true to the PDP’s slogan that ‘power belongs to the people’, we threw the floor open so that everyone could have their say because we so not want imposition or usurpation of opinions.
“The PDP will not shy away from the political reality on ground in Anambra where all other political parties have zoned their tickets to the South, we cannot afford to blind to that, our task is to Mary zoning with the right of anybody to contest under PDP,” he said.
On her part, Sen Uche Ekwunife representing Anambra Central said what was more important for PDP was to have a candidate that not only fits the zoning sentiment but one with ability to win election on Nov. 6.
Ekwunife an aspirant who was a maiden of Anambra South but married to Anambra Central said she grew up in Onitsha, North zone so was qualified to contest from every zone.
She said he had the capacity to win the election for the PDP having done so in the past adding that women had dual citizenship in politics and should be allowed to enjoy the privilege.
“As we are clamouring for zoning, we should also clamour for winning and winning is the word in this game, I am not running this election because I am from the South or Central or North, I am running because I want to win,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Valentine Ozigbo another aspirant said the South agenda was about the survival and Anambra and the chances of PDP in the coming election
Ozigbo said while it was advanced that Anambra South should produce the candidate, there was need to ensure that the flag bearer also had competence and acceptability across the state to win the poll.
“Today was a huge success in spite the few noise, we are in the process of ensuring that the next governor comes from the south,” he said.
Other aspirants who spoke in support of Anambra South zone agenda were Chief Godwin Ezeemo, Dr Ifedi Okwena, Mr Emeka Etiaba (SAN).
