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Amid suspense, Ozigbo writes Anambra PDP backers on impending campaign

By Leo Sobechi, Abuja
26 August 2021   |   4:11 am
While the suspense over his delayed inclusion on the list of candidates approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lasts, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard- bearer for the November 6 governorship contest, Valentine Ozigbo...

Valentine Ozigbo

• Unveils plans for campaign flag-off
While the suspense over his delayed inclusion on the list of candidates approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lasts, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer for the November 6 governorship contest, Valentine Ozigbo, has disclosed plans to commence electioneering.

In an open letter to PDP stakeholders in Anambra State titled, “Our Determined Walk to Awka” Updates and the Way Forward, Ozigbo assured the party faithful of his commitment to winning the governorship election.

He disclosed that he spent most significant part of last two years interacting with PDP members down to the grassroots, stressing, “I know the overwhelming majority of us feel the way I do about our dear state’s deplorable state of governance.”

He used the opportunity to explain the misgivings that attended the tentative list of members of the campaign council, pointing out that the list made the rounds on the social media was a work-in-progress document.

He stated: “I wish to reassure all our party faithful. We may have lost some time getting set for our campaigns. But, I believe that getting the fundamentals right, moving forward in unity with an all-inclusive team, and working in synergy, position us better to win this race.

“I give 100 per cent of me to any project I commit to. Please make no mistake about it; I am in this to win it….I can confidently report to you that I have spared no effort to carry along all leaders and stakeholders and keep our party faithful united under the great PDP umbrella. I am also glad to report to you that we have recorded tremendous successes in this regard.”

The governorship hopeful said he found it necessary to clear the air on recent statements by a few party leaders, alleging a lack of consultations before the inauguration of the state PDP Governorship Campaign Council on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

Ozigbo stated: “As one entrusted with this leadership position by our party, I wish to assure you that I bear the responsibility of being your flag-bearer with the utmost sense of humility and commitment. I can promise you that I will never make a public statement to pass a message to anyone in the PDP family when I have the option of calling my brother or sister on the phone and having a heart-to-heart talk.

“It is, however, necessary to present the facts with regards to the disclaimers many of you may have read on social media and the pages of newspapers. We did consult extensively with our party leaders before we inaugurated our Campaign Organisation.

“I consulted with some of them personally, while some of our party leaders closer to them consulted with some others. Multiple consultations were held with the majority of them, some more than five times, in some instances, with witnesses of their choosing. I have personally made a great effort to meet the demands put forward by everyone.

“But, it does appear that despite our best intentions, we did not consult enough. To anyone who feels offended over this, I apologise. Consultations are still ongoing, and I remain open to negotiation and further engagements with all of us. As many of you already know, my heart and my doors are always open to engage and receive anyone, who comes with goodwill. To the best of my ability, I have and will continue to accommodate us all.”

The PDP governorship candidate maintained that any Campaign Organisation list seen on social media or anywhere else are essentially work-in-progress, adding, “Up till today, none of those lists was considered final, because of my earnest desire to see that all stakeholders are duly consulted and that whoever is willing to be part of this project is carried along as we set off our final push towards November 6.”

He disclosed that the state party chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, has mandated PDP Local Government Chairmen to review the earlier list containing the Local Government Campaign Council, LGCC, with input from National Executive Council (NEC).

While indicating that further input is expected from the Board of Trustees (BoT), National Assembly members, State EXCOS and other leaders in their areas for a balanced and formidable team, Ozigbo declared that the list must be returned to the state Chairman latest Monday, August 23, 2021.

“There will be a meeting of select leaders to finalise action on the list today. The inauguration of the LGCC will then follow on Wednesday, August 25, 2021,” the statement said, adding that details of the inauguration will be made available ahead of time.

“Membership of our National Campaign Council will also be announced soon. By next week, we will commence a tour of all 21 LGAs ahead of formal flag-off by our National Campaign Council…

“What I know for sure, without any doubt in my heart, is that the PDP is a better party, we have the best human capital, better collective experiences and resources, deeper internal democracy, and a better leadership recruitment process. Our intentions and message resonate with the deepest desires of Ndi Anambra, and I daresay that we have the best candidate flying our flag!

“We are strong, we are ready, and we are united. I am confident that we will all join hands in unity towards a purpose greater than one person, and it will end in PDP singing victory songs in November.  Together, we are unmatched, we are unstoppable, and we are inevitable,” he noted.

Ozigbo also apologised for the rescheduling the pre-campaign take-off activities as well as delay in kicking-off the gubernatorial campaign, even as he said he accepts full responsibility for all that.

Part of the letter read: “I wish to present the actual state of affairs regarding our party’s preparations for the election.

“This is my first letter to the great family of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the candidate for the governorship election slated for November 6, 2021. I wish to express my deepest and sincere gratitude to all of you – our party leaders at all levels, our members, and our supporters. Thank you for the confidence you have reposed in me by electing me as your flag-bearer. Thank you for all the support and counsel before and after the historic primary, held on June 26, 2021.

“The only reason I stand in this place in the history of our great party and dear state is because of your collective support, goodwill, and prayers, and I will never take these for granted.

“During my primary election campaign, I promised that if I emerged victorious, I would put in my very best to see that I galvanised my fellow aspirants, key stakeholders, and the entire party to ensure we face the main election on a united front. I wish to assure you that I have spent over 80 per cent of my time since the night of June 26 in consultations with this unique class of our party leaders and all other PDP leaders.

“I can confidently report to you that I have spared no effort to carry along all leaders and stakeholders and keep our party faithful united under the great PDP umbrella. I am also glad to report to you that we have recorded tremendous successes in this regard.”

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