Caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra state has raised the alarm over what it said we clandestine plots to balkanise the party and jeopardise its chances in the November governorship election in the state.
The Committee said in a statement signed its Secretary, Iyom Josephine Anenih that it uncovered a plot by persons it said were ‘disgruntled elements’ seeking to create a parallel executive of the party in the state.
According to the statement, those behind the alleged move plan to use the parallel body to bargain with opposing political parties in the state for a stake in the next government.
It however stated that PDP in Anambra is resolute and firmly behind the candidature of Oseloka Obaze, who it is the best among the pack of contestants.
The Anambra PDP said the emergence of Obaze has shown that the party can get it right afterall, adding that those working to thwart chances of the party from within, are scare of the credentials that the PDP candidate brings to the contest.
In the Press Release titled “Subterranean Moves To Balkanise Anambra Pdp And Scuttle November Guber Election”, the Party said: “Attention of the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), in Anambra state, ably led b Prof. ABC Nwosu, had been drawn to efforts by some disgruntled elements within the ranks of the party in the state to cause a breach of the peace within the party, and in Anambra state, as a way of balkanising PDP and destroy her chances at the November governorship election.
“These subterranean moves, as we have learnt, are being championed by some disgruntled persons who believe that Anambra state must be at their beck and call. They are bent on creating parallel bodies that will stand as a counter to the constituted Caretaker Committee of the party in Anambra state and further, seek a partnership with opponents of the PDP to scuttle our brightest chance ever.
“The public is hereby urged to be aware of such moves, which is set to be unleashed on Anambra people in the coming days, so as not to fall victims of deceits, negative propaganda and obtaining public sympathy by fraudulent means.
“PDP in Anambra state remains one and united under the leadership of the Caretaker Committee ably led by Prof. ABC Nwosu, duly recognised by the National Caretaker leadership, chaired by Sen. Ahmed Makarfi. Any other body laying claims, or which will lay claims, to leadership of the party in the state, can only be deceitful, childish, fraudulent and negatively set up against the general interest of the great people of Anambra state.
“Leadership of the PDP in Anambra state made a solemn declaration to move the party away from the sort of brigandage that robbed it of quality representation in the past. For this reason, the party has remained focused and purposeful in its quest to reclaim the top spot in Anambra state politics by fielding its best for elective positions. The quality of persons on the state caretaker committee is an attestation to this.
“This also accounted for reason the party worked hard to ensure that its primary election process remained transparent and without interference leading to the election, by delegates, of Oseloka Obaze as its flag bearer for the November election.
“Obaze’s emergence as flag bearer shocked and disappointed many especially those who believed that PDP will always throw its wrong leg forward. Obaze’s choice is therefore a challenge to the status quo and also shows that PDP has re-birthed itself in Anambra and is best poised to win the November guber election.
“Therefore, these subterranean moves, though not surprising to us, indicate the awe which Obaze brings to the governorship election making it imperative for his opponents to device clandestine schemes, including but not limited to balkanisation of the party as soon as possible.
“We however restate our commitment to the ideals which Oseloka Obaze, our quintessential candidate live for and represent. We support his candidature more so now that his name has long been approved by the National Caretaker Committee of our great party and also accepted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as candidate of PDP in Anambra state.
“We urge Obaze’s supporters, friends, associates and also, members and supporters of our great party, PDP, to be on their guards and watch because as the Holy Books say “the enemy is wandering like a roaring lion looking for whom to devour”. Don’t be its victim, we beg of you.”