Ahead of the Local Government Election in Imo State scheduled for September 21, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has set September 27 to conduct its ward congress in the state.
The party has also inaugurated the Congress Planning Committee led by Mike Ahumibe and Amby Umeh, as chairman and secretary, respectively.
Addressing party faithful, the flagbearer of the party in the 2023 governorship election, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, urged members to make sacrifices by ensuring that peace and unity reign supreme during the local government congresses.
Anyanwu further warned gainst division, misunderstanding and breakdown of law and order, appealing to all aspirants and stakeholders in the 305 electoral wards in the state to ensure decorum before, during and after the exercise.
He stated that the exercise is not a platform to demonstrate power, brandish wealth or display desperation, but an opportunity to mend fences aimed at advancing and promoting the ideology of the party in the state.
Anyanwu commended the leadership of the Caretaker Committee chaired by Chidi Dike for bringing members together, maintaining that they shunned personal interest in the discharge of their duties.
He said, “The leadership of the Caretaker Committee of PDP in the state has performed optimally by bringing everyone together. One things that is remarkable in their leadership is that Sir Chidi Dike’s led team has shunned personal interest in the discharge of their duties.”
Anyanwu added that the only way the party can achieve more political success is by allowing the people at the grassroot to select or elect the most popular candidate they will trust and work with.
“For me as a person, I have no reason to interfere in any ward to impose anyone on them. Once that is done, it means I have failed in my responsibilities as a leader. Please, this advise goes to stakeholders in the 305 wards, allow the people to elect their choices.”
He further advised members of the party to be part and parcel of what is happening in their respective wards, and do everything possible to promote unity, and propagate the good programmes of the party in the state.
The PDP national secretary expressed optimism that the party still stands the chance of reclaiming leadership positions, both in the state and at the national level, pointing out that the ruling party, APC, lacks genuine followers and that it is the reason why the entire nation is in disarray.
“Those in position of authority are confused on what next to do to remedy the situation. In Imo State, the situation is worse and most terrible, there is no known programme of APC in the state aside creating confusion and frustrating the masses.
“PDP is an organic party with genuine followers. Presently, there is unusual hunger in the state and those expected to address the issue are keeping quiet. What Imo people should ask the people handling the affairs of the state is how the palliatives sent to Imo State grew wings? What happened to it? In whose custody are the palliatives? What is still holding its sharing? Why should the APC administration in the state discriminate against Imo people?”
Inaugurating the committee, Anyanwu revealed the decision of the party to accommodate up to six women at ward levels.
But he maintained that where there are no capable women to take up the positions, the most vibrant men may be considered.