The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said that the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Imo State is crucial because it will determine the future of the state.

The chairman of the party’s Governorship Election Campaign Council in Imo State and executive governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, stated this during the inauguration of the council in Abuja.

Lawal said: “The election is crucial because it will determine the future of Imo State. We are aware of the challenges and we will surmount them. We pledge to deliver on the assignment before us.”

The governor pointed out that the assignment of the campaign council is beyond winning the election, adding that it includes ensuring that the lives of the people are positively impacted.

“Our aim is to bring genuine change to the lives of the people we serve, not just to win the election,” he added.

He, therefore, charged the campaign team to lead by example, adding that the campaign should be conducted in such a way that it reflects the ideals of PDP.

“Our credibility depends on our ability to be honest and transparent. We have considered various strategies to ensure success.

“Let us not lose sight of the bigger goal. Our campaign must focus on security, education, healthcare infrastructure and job creation, among others,” he added.

While expressing confidence that the team will deliver the state for PDP, the governor stressed: “Let’s all come together, put our strategies in place and secure victory for our candidate and our party.

Together we will deliver Imo State in November 2023.”

Also speaking, the governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, pointed out that the election is neither about himself nor the incumbent Governor, Hope Uzodimma, but about the people of Imo State.

Anyanwu, who is also the National Secretary of the party, pointed out that the PDP won the last governorship election in Imo State but was taken away by the Supreme Court in 2020.

He, however, stressed that a victory for PDP in Imo State will be strategic to the party’s return to dominance in the South East.

He disclosed that he chose the Zamfara Governor to serve as chairman of his campaign council “because you came out of a war zone and defeated an incumbent governor.”

He added: “You are very young and energetic just as I am and together, as young people, we will bring back all the glory of Imo State.

“Election is not about money but the willingness of the people to change the tide. The people have suffered so much.

“I have the determination to bring back PDP to Imo State. If we don’t bring back PDP to Imo, there will be problems for the party. We must do all that is necessary to win Imo State. I won’t let the party down when elected.”