A former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh has assured of the party’s preparedness to reclaim victory in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. He said the party had taken certain bold decisions, including putting an end to money politics targeted at discouraging aspirants from unnecessary spending ahead of the primary.
Addressing reporters after a closed-door meeting convened at his instance in his Nnewi country home, Metuh also revealed that aspirants resolved to support whoever emerged the flagbearer after the June 26 primary election. He added that the party set limits to the amount to be paid for consultation and congress logistics at N3, 000 and N30, 000 respectively; insisting money would not be a principal factor to victory.
He said: “This is the first time in the history of Anambra State that we have this array of talents aspiring to be governor under PDP and we are happy with them. The aspirants have met and deliberated, they have also X-rayed the yearnings of Anambra people and have decided to work towards the victory of the party in the coming election.
“We also agreed that whoever emerged as the flagbearer will be supported by all aspirants to ensure victory for PDP. Most importantly, we have resolved that aspirants will no longer allow anybody to make undue demand or exploit them in their quest to govern Anambra. In that regard, nobody should spend no more than N3,000 and N30, 000 for primary logistics.
“When you allow candidates to spend too much money on elections, you are opening the vault of the state for exploitation. This is with the understanding of the party leadership. We also prayed and agreed that there is no more intra-party bickering, this agreement is binding on the 13 aspirants present and three that sent in their apologies for absence.”
One of the aspirants, Chief Obiora Okonkwo said genuine smiles on the faces of attendees after the meeting was a demonstration of successful deliberations. He said: “What happened was important to every aspirant and we are going to enforce it. It also takes care of post-primary rancour.”
Another aspirant, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe described the meeting as the future of Anambra politics.
Other aspirants at the meeting included; Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Chuma Nzeribe, Mr Ifedi Okwenna, Senator Ugochukwu Uba, Barrister Emeka Etiaba, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Mr Walter Okeke, Chris Azubogu, Winston Udeh and Mrs Genevieve Ekwechi.
Source: The Punch
