The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it called a recourse to violence, smear campaign and propaganda by Governor Hope Uzodimma-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration against the people of Imo State.
The party said Governor Uzodimma and the APC-administration in Imo State are in mortal fear of imminent defeat. PDP claimed Uzodimma has become overwhelmed by the popularity of its governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and its deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Jones Onyereri, ahead of the November 11, 2023 Governorship election.
This was stated by national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, who also doubles as chairman PDP Special National Publicity Committee for Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections.
Ologunagba said APC is frustrated by the open rejection of Governor Uzodimma by majority of the people of Imo State due to his abysmal failure in office, the excruciating economic hardship and mindless killing of thousands of innocent Imo citizens under his horrifying watch.
“Having realised that there is no way Governor Uzodimma can win in a peaceful, free and fair election, the APC has resorted to deploying instrument of State power to hound and harass opposition voices in the State.
“APC’s sinister approach of attacking the people of Imo State is apparently to heighten the already tensed security situation in the State, instill fear in the people, prevent them from coming out to exercise their democratic right to vote, with the intention to creating an enabling situation for the APC to rig the election.
“Such nefarious scheme by the APC apparently informed the vicious invasion and demolition of part of the All Seasons Hotel, Owerri; an attack intended to cow the people of Imo State and subdue their resolve to rescue the State from the stranglehold of the APC.
“Nigerians can also recall how, earlier this month, the APC administration in Imo State attempted to arrest and put the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Onyereri out of circulation under false labelling and trumped-up charges.
“The overwhelming solidarity by Ndi Imo, who stood behind Dr. Onyereri in resistance to the APC plot was a clear signal that the Will of the people, particularly in this election, cannot be subdued.
“Recently, the people of Imo State openly demonstrated their rejection of the APC and Governor Uzodimma by refusing to turn out for the unveiling of the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate; a situation that forced the APC to rent a motely and disorganized crowd from neighbouring States for the event.
“Ostensibly dispirited, Governor Uzodimma, rather than focusing on the unveiling ceremony further exposed his frustration by remaining fixated on the popularity of the PDP candidate, Senator Anyanwu during the event.”
The PDP cautioned the APC to know that it is fighting a lost battle and that Imo people are bigger than any individual or group.
“From history, the people of Imo State have never and will never succumb to tyranny.
“Governor Uzodimma knows that he had never won any election in Imo State. He and the APC should therefore come to terms with the reality of their rejection in this election. No amount of violence, inducement, intimidation and harassment can subdue the Will of the people of Imo State in their resolve to take back and Make their State Safe and prosperous again on the platform of the PDP,” the party said.
