THE Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has declared that the party will retake the governorship of Imo in 2023.
On November 6, 2023, there will be an off-season election for governor of Imo.
The PDP lost the office when the Supreme Court fired Emeka Ihedioha on January 14, 2020, and declared Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the victor of the election.
Atiku referred to what occurred in 2020 as a “daylight robbery” when speaking at a rally today in Owerri.
According to Atiku, Imo, as a traditional PDP state, and he emphasized that all of the candidates who were elected governor there were PDP supporters.
He stated that by putting an end to the brigandage that has characterized the state, the party is ready to restore Imo’s reputation as a peaceful state.
He said that the first traditional title bestowed upon him in Igboland was from Imo State and that his trip to Imo was a customary home-making.
He declared that he knew Igbo people to be smart businesspeople and pledged to set aside $10 billion to help young people and women entrepreneurs in the state.
Atiku said, “PDP is Imo and Imo is PDP. We are poised to reclaim our traditional home base. What happened in January 2020 was daylight robbery and I know Imo people are ready to bring back their loving parry.
“We recognise your position as astute business people and we have decided to set aside $10 billion to support women and young people in their businesses.”
Earlier, Ihedioha told the people that a vote for Atiku would ensure their vote is secured and no one would steal their mandate again.
“If we vote Atiku nobody will steal our votes again. Under 7 months, I paid all pensioners owed, restore good governance. I ask you to transfer the love you have for me to my boss, Atiku Abubakar,” the former Deputy Speaker said.
Ifeanyi Okowa, the vice presidential candidate for the PDP, stated in his speech that Imo youths had demonstrated that they were prepared to support the PDP.
Okowa stated further that the PDP will have a significant positive impact on youths in Imo who are entrepreneurs.
He said, “Atiku will set aside $10bn to support small business across the country. He told the large crowd.”
The DG, PDP Presidential campaign council, Gov Aminu Tambuwal, while addressing the crowd, said “Atiku is very familiar with the issues of Imo state, southeastern states and Ndigbo. He is here seeking your support to recover this country from insecurity, poverty and economic woes. If you vote for him you will be convinced that Atiku is the only candidate that can set Nigeria to the path of greatness.”
The rally held at the Heroes Square, was attended by the party’s vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, the party chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, the national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, former Governor Emeka Ihedioha and a host of party stalwarts.
