The emergence of Anyanwu and the battle to overthrow Uzodimma

The November 11, 2023 Imo State gubernatorial election is widely seen as a grudge match between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), main opposition party.

Recall that the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the election of Emeka Ihedioha in its judgment of January 14, 2020 not only upset the political equation in the state, but also shifted the electoral cycle.< /p>

Since that court pronouncement, the rivalry between APC and PDP has remained bitter with no love lost between the two sides. The PDP had swallowed the bitter pill of Ihedioha's dismissal by the Supreme Court, and returned to the drawing board, as well as redefining efforts to regain power in the state.

Ihedioha of the PDP had hoped that the internal crisis in the APC ahead of the 2019 general election, when incumbent governor Senator Rochas Okorocha tried to install his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as his successor, would help his cause. But was disappointed with the judicial outcome of the election.

Interestingly, since the emergence of Uzodimma, the PDP has enjoyed massive goodwill and support from the people, especially those who had called Governor Hope Uzodinma at the helm of the failed state's APC government. Hence the high expectation that the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election would bring the PDP back to Douglas House.

However, the PDP's position as the main challenger has come under threat, as the Labor Party (LP) in Imo, relying on the massive support of Peter Obi, is now a force to be reckoned with in the 'State.

Furthermore, before Senator Samuel Anyanwu, popularly known as Samdaddy, showed interest in the party's guber ticket, Ihedioha had emerged as the people's choice and able to sack Uzodinma thanks to his track record. .

However, party politics came into play and, surprisingly, Ihedioha, days after purchasing his expression of interest form at the party headquarters in Abuja, announced his withdrawal from the race.

In a statement announcing his retirement in a letter signed by him, dated March 27, 2023, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives said, "As I turned 58 on Friday, March 24 Last I was right to reflect on so many things, including the state of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

"Having been a member since its formation in 1998, I align myself with our state chapter's request to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a consensus candidate selection for the 2023 gubernatorial primaries. , in the interests of Party harmony and unity, I have chosen to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.

“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to serving our people has never been in doubt. Imo State will be disappointed.I sincerely seek their understanding and that of the associates, admirers and especially the constituents who over the years have aligned and identified with my political aspirations.

“I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my various constituencies both as a legislator and as a governor. I am also proud of the positive impact I have had, particularly during the seven months I served as Governor of Imo State."

So this means that Ihedioha will not contest the election of the state governor in 2023 on the platform of the PDP. Undoubtedly, the news of Ihedioha's withdrawal came to many, especially his loyalists, supporters, admirers and party leaders, as a brutal shock.

But there is still confidence in the ability and ability of the PDP to achieve victory in the upcoming poll, even without Ihedioha on the ballot as a PDP candidate. Indeed, the party presents credible and shrewd politicians who can keep their promises if they receive all the necessary support.

Fast forward to the party primary held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Senator Anyanwu emerged as the DPP's consensus candidate for the upcoming IMO poll. Anyanwu's emergence was never a surprise, as after Ihedioha's exit, he became the lone man in the running.

In his acceptance speech after being announced as the party's candidate, Anyanwu said, "asking the people of Imo to give me their mandate in November 2023, I know as Eccl. 9:11, this does not will not be because of my speed, my greatness or even my quality on the approximately five million Ndi Imo, it is because of time, chance and the divine grace of God.Therefore, I can only humble me, enough to listen to feedback from those who may be faster, wiser, or even more experienced than me, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Again, the Sam Daddy Factor promotes accountability, communication and transparency.

"The narrative is not lost on me about the many challenges and idiosyncrasies of my emergence. It is clear that this m...