The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has made a U-turn and decided to challenge the victory of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in the Anambra governorship poll, by supporting its own candidate, Tony Nwoye.
Mr. Nwoye is challenging the victory of Willie Obiano of APGA in the November 16 election.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Sunday said the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, is in support of the suit filed by Mr. Nwoye.
It described the action of the candidate as a “step in the right direction and an acceptance of the directive of the National Working Committee earlier communicated to him to pursue the mandate in accordance with established democratic procedures and rules”.
The PDP headquarters had shortly after the result of the election was announced congratulated Mr. Obiano for the victory. The party had also been accused by its former leader, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of working for the APGA candidate in the election.
The earlier position of the PDP was in contrast with that of Mr. Nwoye who alleged irregularities in the conduct of the poll and therefore refused to congratulate the declared winner and instead challenged the outcome of the election. Mr. Nwoye also boycotted the supplementary election conducted to decide the eventual winner of the governorship poll.
The PDP said its stance so far shows it is “totally committed to democracy and electoral processes as stipulated by the constitution and laws of our land.”
“This explains why we remained steadfast to the processes outlined for the Anambra governorship election and the reason for our earlier stand and directive to our candidate and members to participate in the Supplementary Election as directed by INEC.
“As a party committed to strengthening the institution of democracy, we believe that due process must be followed at all times to allow the laws and electoral rules run their full courses without any interruption.
“It is in this regard that we commend our candidate for conforming with the ideals of our great party in seeking redress at the right time and through the appropriate democratic channel”, the statement said.
Expressing optimism that “justice will prevail at the end of the day”, the statement said the PDP “remains impressed by Nwoye’s credible outing, resilience and grass root appeal which brought him to the forefront in the race despite having only two weeks to campaign”.
It therefore charged all PDP members close ranks and remain focused in supporting the party and the candidate.
The statement also urged the people of Anambra state to “continue to resist attempts by the APC to turn the state into a theatre of violence and bloodshed typical of desperate politicians and bad losers who do not have the interest of the people at heart”.
It further observed that the Anambra election and others so far conducted have shown that the PDP is still the preeminent party with genuine followership across the country irrespective of its challenges and the heinous designs by enemies of democracy to weaken its support base.
Noting that it remains the “only party committed to national interest and unity,” the PDP said it will continue to uphold the principles of justice and equity and ensure good governance for the welfare, prosperity and happiness of all Nigerians across board.
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