Ahead of the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo state on April 15, the national secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, popularly known as Samdaddy is set to emerge the governorship candidate of the party, unopposed.
Recall the immediate past governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, on Tuesday withdrew from the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state scheduled for April 15.
Ihedioha made the announcement in a letter he addressed to the national chairman of the party dated March 27.
The ex governor said that he was withdrawing from the race in the interest of the unity of the party.
He said, “As I turned 58 years last Friday, March 24, I had cause to reflect on so many things, including the state of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Having been a member since its formation in 1998, I align myself with the request made by our state chapter to the National Working Committee for a consensus choice of the candidate regarding the 2023 governorship primaries.
“In the interest of harmony and unity of the party, I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.”
Having been a member since its formation in 1998, I align myself with the request made by our state chapter to the National Working Committee for a consensus choice of the candidate regarding the 2023 governorship primaries.”In the interest of harmony and unity of the party, I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.
“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt.
“Having been a member since its formation in 1998, I align myself with the request made by our state chapter to the National Working Committee for a consensus choice of the candidate regarding the 2023 governorship primaries.
“In the interest of harmony and unity of the party, I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.
“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt.”
“And I am sure many of those who have, on their own, already started mobilising for me in Imo State will be disappointed.
“I sincerely seek their understanding and that of associates, admirers and particularly the electorates who have over the years aligned themselves and identified with my political aspirations.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served my various constituencies both as a legislator and governor. I am also proud of the positive impact I made, particularly in the seven months I served as the Governor of Imo State.”
When contacted his media aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu, confirmed the letter.
With the development, Anyanwu has no contender in the race.
He is now the only governorship aspirant of the party in the state.
A source in the party said” it is now very clear. Samdaddy is now the only governorship aspirant in the party. Ihedioha has withdrawn from the race. With the closure of the sale of forms, certainly Samdaddy will emerge, unopposed.”