Live update: New Defections, Dancing Governors as PDP Begins Final Rally in Awka Ahead of Anambra Guber
Thousands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters have packed into the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka to witness the grand finale of the party's governorship campaign.
A Legit.ng reporter inside the venue reports that many of the supporters arrived at the venue as early as 8:00am on Tuesday, November 2.
Various groups within the party are represented in the arena as the atmosphere is fully charged.
Ozigbo waves the PDP flag proudly at the rally, makes powerful promises to voters
The PDP flag has been presented to Valentine Ozigbo and his deputy governorship candidate by Governor Ikpeazu.
Ozigbo said all APC leaders in Aguata local government area have decamped to the PDP.
He announced that the ward chairman of APC in Andy Uba's ward in Uga has decamped to the PDP.
His words:
"I represent the youths, the women, the unemployed who are all yearning for good governance.
"I am committed to delivering whatever it is possible to make Anambra again. We will make Onitsha a true commercial hub, we will make Nnewi a true industrial hub.
"Your votes will count. Nobody can rig this election. Do not be scared. Come out en masse and vote the PDP."
Source: Original
New defections at PDP rally in Anambra
The following are new defectors who expressed their desire to become members of the PDP:
- Former YPP youth leader
- Former deputy speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly
- Anambra State House of Assembly member from APGA
Source: Original
Peter Obi steals show as he enters arena, gives powerful speech
Shouts of 'Okwute' rent the air as former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, enters the arena. Seconds later, the national anthem was taken to be the rally officially.
Peter Obi speaks Igbo to the audience. He said: "No one can speak on Anambra State other than me."
"We are looking for someone to properly take care of our state. You watched the debate yesterday.
"The other two candidates were abusing themselves, our candidate was focused on his manifesto"
"My administration left N77billion in the coffers of Anambra state government. The current government is owing N120billion."
Influential PDP governors storm Anambra for grand rally
To show their solidarity with Ozigbo, PDP governors like Seyi Makinde, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Edo deputy governor, Phillip Shaiubu have arrived at the venue.
Among other guests are PDP elders in Anambra and Board of Trustees members, Professor ABC Nwosu, and Senator Ben Obi.
The crowd goes into a frenzy as Governor Makinde dances to Favour's 'Nabania' song.
Speaking, the Oyo governor said:
"This is the time for Anambra people to say we will vote for the best man for the job. Don't allow anybody to tell you lies again."
Source: Original
On his part, Governor Okowa said:
"PDP has sent a clear message across the nation that we are ready to take back our country.
"The youths here must first take back Anambra state. When you do that, you will give us the momentum to take back for the country."
Taking the stage, Governor Ikpeazu went into dancing and said:
"There are two sets of people in Nigeria. Those who have accepted the rot and those who are tired of the rot in the system. Anambra cannot be captured.
"Our candidate Valentine Ozigbo is a humble man who will create a platform for the youths, the elders and the women join hands together and rescue Anambra.
"On the 6th, you people must vote for humility. The 13 governors of PDP are all behind Valentine Ozigbo. No one can declare a state of emergency in Anambra."
Source: Original
Chief Ndubusi Nwobu, Anambra PDP chairman, said:
"It is a great privilege and honour to welcome the excellent personalities here this afternoon."
On his part, Senator Uche Ekwunife, DG Anambra campaign council, stated:
"What we came here today is to say on the 6th of November, PDP is taking over."
Upon taking the stage, Philip Shaiubu, Edo state governor pleaded with the masses:
"Make una no fear, on Saturday, una go determine una future. Make una no vote retired people o."
Senator Ben Obi, PDP Bot member said:
"What I have come here is to plead with Ndi Anambra to maintain the momentum on Saturday, November 6 and vote Valentine Ozigbo."
PDP's candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, arrives venue
The governorship candidate of the PDP, Valentine Ozigbo, has arrived at the venue to participate actively in the campaign staged for him.
Ozigbo acknowledged cheers from his supporters as he makes his way to the stage
Jerrywright Ukwu Jerrywright Ukwu is an Abuja-based senior political/defence correspondent. He is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos and the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja. He is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He spends his leisure-time reading history books. He can be reached via email at jerrywright39@yahoo.com.
Onyirioha Nnamdi Onyirioha Nnamdi is a graduate of Literature and English Language at the University of Lagos. He is a Politics/Current Affairs Editor who writes on news and political topics for Legit.ng. He brings into his reporting a wealth of experience in creative and analytical writing. Nnamdi has a major interest in local and global politics. He has a professional certificate from Reuters and was awarded the editor with the best listicle for 2021. Contact: 08062988054, o.nnamdi@corp.legit.ng
