PDP group: Why Ihedioha withdrew from Imo governorship primary

A group known as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Action has explained why Emeka Ihedioha withdrew from the Imo state governorship primary.

On Tuesday, Ihedioha, in a letter addressed to the PDP national chairman, said he was quitting the race following the demand for the party to adopt a consensus governorship candidate in the state.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Rufus Omeire, chairman of the group, alleged that Ihedioha withdrew from the race because the process is not credible.

He said Samuel Anyanwu, the PDP national secretary, who is contesting in the race, has refused to resign his position.

Omeire said it is “morally wrong” for Anyanwu to supervise the governorship primary which he is a contender.

“In the first place, Ihedioha, who had been a dedicated member of PDP since 1999, was unfairly and unjustly treated by the leadership of the party,” the statement reads.

“The national secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had indicated an interest in vying for the governorship primary as he is entitled to as an indigene of Imo state. However, as a sitting national secretary, it is only proper that he should not supervise the primary for which he is a contestant.

“It is shocking that as the national secretary, Anyanwu, was himself screened as an aspirant and later on signed the clearance certificate of the successful aspirants including himself.

“Ihedioha, we understand, complained to political leaders about this grave violation of this elementary principle of natural justice that a man should not be a judge in his cause to no avail.

“Indeed, allowing senator Anyanwu to supervise his election primary cannot stand legal or moral scrutiny by any fair-minded person.”

The group said the party’s constitution requires a serving national officer seeking an elective position to resign.

He claimed that the party, under the leadership of Iyorchia Ayu “refused” to enforce the position of the law, thereby “conferring undue advantage” on Anyanwu.

“Senator Anyanwu has a moral and legal duty to resign his office as national secretary to avoid a severe conflict of interest. This is the only way to assure a level playing field for all contestants,” he said.

“We know that Ihedioha is not desperate to serve, but Imo people deserve all her best hands to be involved in the process.

“The national chairman turned a blind ear to all protestations for a fair process and Ihedioha decided not to dignify the skewed process with his participation.”