The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate for the November 6 elections, Valentine Ozigbo, continue to gain momentum ahead of the poll as several influential groups jointly endorsed his candidacy on Thursday, August 19 2021.
At a well-attended community event, the groups, Ozo Awka, Awka Youth, and the Ozigbo Youth Vanguard, formally declared total support for Mr Ozigbo and announced his candidacy and the PDP as the most acceptable to them.
At the elaborate event held at the residence of Hon Chuks Anaje (Ibide Awka) in Amenyi, Awka, the groups congratulated the respected business leader on emerging as the PDP candidate, describing him as "the perfect leader Anambra needs".
While addressing the crowd, Chief Anaje urged the people to see the election as an opportunity to partner with Ozigbo to build a worthy future for Ndi Anambra.
"Several politicians have come to seek our support in the past. Some have failed, while some have fulfilled their promises to us. Today, a good man, Valentine Ozigbo, is in our midst to partner with us for a better Anambra for our children and us," Chief Anaje said.
"Val Ozigbo is my good friend and one of the most powerful, dependable, and competent men we have in Nigeria. He has the capacity, influence, and financial muscle to excellently contest, win, and govern Anambra.
"So I urge you to arm yourselves with your voter's card and get ready to mobilise people ahead of the coming election. If we can deliver our various polling booths and wards, I assure you that Ozigbo will not let you down. In the most unlikely event that he disappoints us, hold me responsible.
"Right now, we must hit the ground running and begin door-to-door mobilisation of voters. I assure you that if we play our part, victory will be sure," the Ibide Awka said.
In his reaction, Valentine Ozigbo thanked the groups for their kind words, generosity, and commitment to rewriting the story of Anambra State.
"I'm thrilled by the enthusiasm I have seen from everyone present here. Before the PDP primary election, I toured all the local government areas in Anambra multiple times and sampled the views of Ndi Anambra on different aspects of governance," Ozigbo remarked.
"The feedback we got from the people of Anambra helped us come up with the Ka Anambra Chawapu manifesto, which focuses on solving the problems of Ndi Anambra based on their unique locations, demographic potentials and economic relevance.
"We will develop Awka and her environs into a befitting state capital. We will invest in developing our tourism and attraction centres within the state capital and other places around the zone.
"Our ultimate aim is to make the zone a welcoming environment for tourism, travels and tours as well as a hub for massive educational, medical and administrative development.
"Right now, the most important thing is for us to obtain our voter's card. Your voter's card is your power, and it is time for power to return to the people. Please let us go to our areas of influence and ensure that we deliver our polling booths and wards," Ozigbo urged the gathering.
Several dignitaries witnessed the endorsement, including Mrs Chinyere Onwuaso, Ozo Michael Akalaka, Ozo Udo David Anaje, and Hon Molokwu.
Some directors and senior members of the PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation were also present to witness the endorsement, including Chief Tony Offiah, the Director of Financial Services to the campaign council; Mrs Chinelo Ofoche, the Director of Protocols; Prof Stella Okunna, a former Chief of Staff to the Anambra State governor; Lady Juliet Anaeme, the Director for Artisans, Unions and CSOs; a Lagos-based businessman, Mr Chuks Ozigbo; Mrs Adaobi Udeze, and Mrs Edith Nwokedi.
The PDP on Sunday, August 15, 2021, inaugurated a high-powered governorship campaign council chaired by Senator Uche Ekwunife, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly.
Since emerging as the PDP candidate, Ozigbo, a grassroots favourite and favoured to win the November election, has embarked on a successful reconciliatory exercise to unite the party at all levels behind his candidacy.