By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka
The immediate past Vice Presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Peter Obi, has joined the former Senate President, Bukora Saraki and others to congratulate Mr Valentine Ozigbo, the party's gubernatorial candidate on Anambra state November 6 governorship poll.
Obi, who said the election has come to an end, congratulated the winner, urging other contestants that participated in the election not to see the conclusion of the gubernatorial primaries “as the end of the beginning, but rather the beginning of the end.”
"I thank the National Chairman who, together with his leadership, has remained neutral. I congratulate the PDP family in Anambra state who has given the state the most peaceful and organized process of choosing a candidate."
On his part, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged party leaders and other aspirants to rally support to ensure that Ozigbo emerges victorious at the forthcoming election.
Dr Saraki remarked that the primary election was keenly contested, and Ozigbo's emergence will evoke displeasure from some quarters, even as he urged Ozigbo to reach out to other aspirants and leverage their collective strengths.
"Ozigbo must let all his co-aspirants know that there is no victor and no vanquished in the just concluded primary election. The victory is for our great party, and his immediate efforts should be geared towards convincing all that he is a team player and ready to work with them to ensure victory for the best interest of Anambra people." the statement read.
"I have spoken to some of our leaders in Anambra State on the need for us to work together as one united, indivisible team in the coming campaigns, and I am particularly happy and impressed by their disposition. They are ready to bring all on board and get PDP to reclaim Anambra State."
"This election is important for us to re-assure the people that PDP and its candidate will work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra claims its rightful position as a leading state in Nigeria, the one that can create a prosperous, developed and conducive atmosphere for all residents", Saraki added.
Also congratulating Ozigbo, one of the aspirants in the primary election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, called on the party to unite around the candidate so as to ensure that the PDP emerges victorious at the November 6 governorship election.
"As our party, PDP goes into a very critical election which will determine our collective future as Ndi Anambra. I wish to remind Anambrarians that PDP remains the best choice for the state," Ekwunife stated.
Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, won the PDP guber primary, leading Dr Obiora Okonkwo and 14 other aspirants who had obtained the party's declaration of interest and nomination forms.
Ozigbo is an award-winning business mogul, philanthropist and sports developer. He is the Chairman of Feet 'N" Tricks International, Africa's largest promoters of freestyle football. The company organises the annual Nigerian Freestyle Football Championship and the African Freestyle Football Championship.
Ozigbo is also the founder of the VCO Foundation, one of Nigeria's most recognisable non-profit organisations. Since its inception, the foundation has empowered over 300,000 people through its unique initiatives and programmes.
Credit: Valentine Obienyem