Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, for the November 11 off-cycle election in Imo State, has expressed determination to employ all legal avenues to oust Governor Hope Uzodinma. Anyanwu alleges that the election was marred by undemocratic practices.
Addressing journalists in Owerri, the state capital, Anyanwu conveyed his commitment to reclaim what he termed his “stolen mandate,” emphasizing the severe impact of the election on Imo State’s democratic integrity.
Anyanwu stated, “The Imolites have been injured. Our collective patrimony has been withered. Our cries and wounds know no bounds. I feel your pains. My heart bleeds for the freedom of our people from the wicked governance of the state. The wicked must not go unpunished.”
He further noted the broader consequences of the election, asserting, “Injury to one is injury to all. It will be recalled that the insecurity today in the South East is exported from Imo State to other Eastern States through the use of non-state actors for the purpose of elections.”
Despite the circumstances, Anyanwu emphasized the commitment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to peaceful means, stating, “Moving forward, therefore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a peace-loving party, cannot be involved in any form of violence whatsoever or lawlessness.”
Appealing to his supporters, he urged them to remain calm and law-abiding, acknowledging their steadfastness, encouragement, and prayers. Anyanwu assured that the PDP would utilize all acceptable legal avenues to challenge the election outcome.
Describing the events of November 11, 2023, as an “open rape of democracy” and a “broad day robbery” of the people’s mandate, Anyanwu attributed the situation to a coordinated plot aimed at destabilizing and disfiguring the state. He asserted, “We shall deploy all acceptable and all known legal machinery in motion to recover our stolen mandate.”
