Before the Local Government Election in Imo State, set for September 21, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will hold its ward congress on September 27.
The party has started a Congress Planning Committee, with Mike Ahumibe as chairman and Amby Umeh as secretary.
During a meeting with party members, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s candidate for the 2023 governorship election, encouraged everyone to stay peaceful and united throughout the local government congresses.
He asked that everyone avoid fighting and stay calm. He reminded all candidates and important members in the 305 electoral wards to keep peace before, during, and after the elections.
Anyanwu explained that these elections should not be used to show off power or wealth. It’s a time to come together and support the party’s goals in the state.
He praised the leadership by Chidi Dike’s Caretaker Committee for bringing everyone together and not focusing on personal interests.
Anyanwu said, “The Caretaker Committee has done a great job. They have united everyone without thinking of personal gains.”
He believes that to win more elections, the people at the local level should choose the candidates they trust and want to work with.
“As a leader, I won’t interfere in choosing any candidate for any ward. If I do, I have failed as a leader. Let the people choose their leaders,” Anyanwu said.
He asked party members to be involved in their local wards and to promote unity and good plans of the party.
He is confident that the PDP can still win leadership positions in the state and nationally. He noted that the ruling party, APC, doesn’t have true followers, which is why the country is in chaos.
“Those in charge don’t know what to do to fix the problems. In Imo State, the situation is even worse. The APC doesn’t have helpful programs; they only create confusion and frustration.”
He added that the PDP has real followers. Currently, there is severe hunger in the state, and those who should help are silent. He asked, “Where did the aid sent to Imo State go? Why hasn’t it been given out? Why does the APC discriminate against Imo people?”
When starting the committee, Anyanwu shared that the party aims to include up to six women in each ward. If no capable women are available, the most active men will be considered.