Having won the Imo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday thanked delegates in the primary held last Monday, December 8, 2014.
In a thank you message personally signed by him, Ihedioha commended the delegates for their perseverance, orderly and peaceful conduct that led to a successful primary that had been adjudged by all as free, fair and transparent.
He urged those who contested for the ticket with him to put the interest of the party above self and work together to achieve victory for the PDP in the 2015 general elections, promising to “run a vibrant, open, inclusive and issue-based campaign. A campaign that will have the input of all our stakeholders and accommodate all interests and tendencies within the PDP family.”
The statement read in part: “I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to the great and indefatigable delegates that participated in the PDP governorship election primary which was held on December 8, 2014 in Owerri. In particular, I doff my hat to the 346 delegates who cast their votes for me.
“It is as a result of your trust and confidence in me that I was elected as the PDP governorship flag bearer in the 2015 general elections. Most worthy delegates, I was present with you throughout the long hours of accreditation, voting, counting, and declaration of the results. It was the most painstaking, thorough, transparent and credible primary election ever conducted in the history of primary elections of any political party in Imo State.
“You, the delegates, endured the long hours, the pushing and shoving, the heat of the sun, lack of water and food inside the stadium. You defied intimidation and strong arm tactics employed by some aspirants to cast your votes. For all these I will remain always indebted and committed to you.
“Now that I have been elected, I have become the candidate of all delegates. I have become the candidate of all PDP members. I have become the candidate of all the aspirants. In a political contest of this nature, only one person will be returned as winner. But we are all winners, as I intend to run a vibrant, open, inclusive and issue-based campaign.
“Accordingly, I appeal to all my brothers and sisters who contested with me, all the delegates, PDP members and all indigenes of Imo in all walks of life to rally behind me and all other PDP candidates for various positions, to ensure that the party records wide-ranging and resounding victory in Imo State in 2015 general elections.”