IMO PDP PROGRESSIVE STAKEHOLDERS DISSOCIATE THEMSELVES FROM GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATURE OF SEN. SAMUEL ANYANWU

In a stunning development, the Progressive Stakeholders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State have distanced themselves from the party's gubernatorial candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. In a letter dated 27th April, 2023 and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Philip Udeagwu, the stakeholders made it clear that Anyanwu's candidacy had disintegrated the leadership and members of the party through his backdoor candidacy.

The letter goes on to state that the PDP stakeholders believe that Anyanwu's candidacy will aid the victory of the ruling party and, in line with equity, he should either choose his National Secretary position or the gubernatorial candidacy. They also made it clear that PDP stakeholders and members will not support him as the party is going into the election as a divided house. The PDP stakeholders claimed that Anyanwu worked against the victory of their presidential candidate in the last presidential election at his Obodo central school ward in Amaimo, Ikeduru LGA. They argued that "Samdaddy's candidacy will renew the ruling party's tenure as no genuine progressive member of the party member in Imo has supported his antics to sow the seed of discontent, dissatisfaction, disaffection, and displeasure." The letter concludes by declaring that "PDP will survive Sen. Anyanwu's tyranny but cannot win the elections in November. This is a clear indication that even Sen. Anyanwu's party has first rejected him before Imolites, and come November 11th, Imolites will put the last nail on the coffin that will mark the end of PDP in Imo State." The announcement comes as a surprise to many in Imo State, as Anyanwu had been seen as a strong candidate for the PDP. However, the stakeholders' decision to disassociate themselves from him could prove fatal to his chances of winning the election. Political observers believe that the disunity in the PDP is playing into the hands of the ruling party, which is looking to extend its stay in power. With the PDP's progressive stakeholders openly rejecting their own candidate, the party could struggle to find cohesion and mount a successful campaign while the ruling party is likely to see a boost in their own popularity. As the election draws closer, it remains to be seen how the PDP will manage this internal crisis. With a divided house, the party faces an uphill battle to unseat the ruling party in Imo State and the party's ability to resolve its internal crisis could be the difference between victory and defeat in November.