By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The governorship candidate of People's Democratic Party (PDP) for Anambra State 2021 poll, Mr Valentine Ozigbo has dismissed the claims that his running-mate, Mrs Azuka Enemo was chosen by a godfather or a religious group.
Ozigbo, who disclosed this in a media parley in Awka, the state capital, explained that he emerged as an independent candidate and selected Enemo out of self conviction, her charisma and capability.
"I turned down some of the deputy governorship candidates suggested to me by Bishops and other religious leaders. This is because my focus is on youth and women. Since I am a youth I needed a woman Deputy to compliment my effort. I need a running-mate who has the capacity and charisma. I chose Mrs Azuka Enemo because she has all it takes for us to govern Anambra state well.
"We have no political godfather. If I do, I would sign away Anambra state patrimony. The immediate past governor of our dear state, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi did well was because he had no godfather. I am an independent man. My deputy has no godfather. We don't believe in godfather. We will work for no godfather," he added.
According to him, a qualified legal team was working ahead of time to resolve all the legal hurdles confronting his chances and that of the party before the November 6 gubernatorial poll.
He said he has met with various stakeholders of the party including co-aspirants with a view to establish a formidable team and united party.
"This is the time for Anambra people to rejoice. This is time for PDP to be happy because we are on our way to victory. It would be victory for Anambra state. We need unity, action and faith to achieve it. I thank those who believed on me. I thank those who have started believing on him. PDP is one big family. There is nothing to celebrate yet. We must come together to make a reality," he emphasised.
Ozigbo further explained that his emergence as a governorship candidate was "A divine mandate. Some of you know how we campaigned round the 21 local government areas about six times or more. We were hoping that the party delegates would vote on the day of the primary. All of a sudden, there was a court judgement.
"The entire state executive of our party was equally dissolved. We were disturbed when we learnt that automatic delegates (super delegates) would be used. I had fear because I am not use to this. I stepped into Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre (venue for PDP primary) almost like an orphan," he noted.