Anambra PDP primary: Senator Saraki Congratulates Valentine Ozigbo

…Moves to consolidate party unity ahead of November Guber Poll

The immediate past President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer ahead of the November 6 Anambra governorship election, Mr Valentine Ozigbo.

Ozigbo was declared the winner of the PDP primary after polling the majority of the votes at the primary election held at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged party leaders and other aspirants to rally support to ensure that Ozigbo emerges victorious at the forthcoming election.

Dr Saraki remarked that the primary election was keenly contested, and Ozigbo’s emergence will evoke displeasure from some quarters. He, therefore, urged Ozigbo to reach out to other aspirants and leverage their collective strengths.

“Ozigbo must let all his co-aspirants know that there is no victor and no vanquished in the just concluded primary election. The victory is for our great party, and his immediate efforts should be geared towards convincing all that he is a team player and ready to work with them to ensure victory for the best interest of Anambra people.” the statement read.

“I have spoken to some of our leaders in Anambra State on the need for us to work together as one united, indivisible team in the coming campaigns, and I am particularly happy and impressed by their disposition. They are ready to bring all on board and get PDP to reclaim Anambra State.”

“I am further appealing to all our stakeholders in Anambra State that we should remember that this is a time we need to place the interest of the country, state, and party above our individual interests. The party can only field one candidate despite the fact that as the foremost political platform in the state, all its aspirants are qualified and capable.”

“Now that the primary process has been completed, we have to move round to talk to all our stakeholders, make necessary reconciliation and give more assurance. Anambra State is naturally a PDP State. We need to use the November election to re-affirm this.”

“This election is important for us to re-assure the people that PDP and its candidate will work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra claims its rightful position as a leading state in Nigeria, the one that can create a prosperous, developed and conducive atmosphere for all residents”, Saraki added.

Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, won the PDP guber primary, leading Dr Obiora Okonkwo and 14 other aspirants who had obtained the party’s declaration of interest and nomination forms.

Ozigbo is an award-winning business mogul, philanthropist and sports developer. He is the Chairman of Feet ‘N” Tricks International, Africa’s largest promoters of freestyle football. The company organises the annual Nigerian Freestyle Football Championship and the African Freestyle Football Championship.

Ozigbo is also the founder of the VCO Foundation, one of Nigeria’s most recognisable non-profit organisations. Since its inception, the foundation has empowered over 300,000 people through its unique initiatives and programmes.