The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Imo State governorship election, saying it is his turn to lead the state after former governors Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha and incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Speaking on Saturday in Owerri during the inauguration of a support group, Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy, Anyanwu said he and the three politicians were once leading members of the PDP in Imo State, noting that each of them had gone on to become governor except him.

“We were four strong PDP men… myself, Hope Uzodimma, Ikedi Ohakim and Emeka Ihedioha,” he said.

“As God may have it, all of the three have governed Imo State, remaining myself.
“I have come to take my turn and I believe other contestants will give way.”

Anyanwu acknowledged that political power must be fought for but maintained that he remains determined to pursue his ambition.
“It is true that power is not given, it is taken. I will keep my eyes on the ball,” he said.

The PDP national secretary also expressed confidence in the party’s chances ahead of the election, insisting that the opposition party was witnessing renewed unity and growing membership across the state.

“Luckily, the PDP today is growing stronger and more united. Our number is also increasing in thousands,” he said.

“I tell you without mincing words, PDP is the only party our people believe so much in and we won’t let Imo people down.”

He urged members of the newly inaugurated support group to intensify grassroots mobilisation, particularly in rural communities, to strengthen the party’s campaign ahead of the polls.

Anyanwu also warned against electoral malpractice, saying the PDP had begun putting structures in place to monitor the voting process across polling units.
“Listen to me, there’s nothing they know that we do not know,” he said.

“And there’s nothing they have which we do not have. Whichever way they want it, we are equal to the task.

“But we assure them that their rigging tactics will not work this time around.

“We have surrounded our men at every polling unit who will mount surveillance on the ballot and secure it till results are announced to our favour.”

He disclosed that the Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy was one of several support groups established to promote his governorship aspiration.

According to him, other groups include the Divine Mandate and the Mass Movement for Sam Daddy.

“We have so many other movements for Sam Daddy,” he said.

“We have the parent body, ‘Divine Mandate’. We have the ‘Mass Movement for Sam Daddy’.

“I urge you to join forces with all of them to ensure that Imo people key into the new song.”

Anyanwu was the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo governorship election, which was won by Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His latest declaration signals an early push for the PDP ticket ahead of the next governorship election in the state.