Valentine Ozigbo, the leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant for the Anambra Governorship election, has for the umpteenth time, appealed to the leadership and members of the party to ensure a paradigm shift this time around by adopting a process that will bring about a consensus candidate at the party primary election.
The clarion call was made on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 while addressing party stakeholders at an interactive session organised by Hon. Engr. Sam Chinedu Onwuaso, the federal lawmaker representing Awka North/Awka South Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives.
"By consensus, I am referring to a primary election that will be founded on processes that are legally and procedurally in accord with the laws of the land and which in itself will be free, fair, credible, and widely accepted by relevant actors, especially the aspirants," Ozigbo told the PDP stakeholders.
Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, rhetorically asked, "To you my leaders and fellow party members who among the aspirants have what it takes to win the primary election and will be able to galvanise the other aspirants after the primary such that the party would remain united with the possibility of approaching the general election under a common front?"
He assured the party stakeholders that his humble background, respect and peaceful disposition to others, and his total avoidance of campaign of calumny, name-calling and undue criticism of others are the things that stand him out and that are needed for the party unity.
He further reminded them to always look at the bigger picture, the ultimate destination of the electioneering processes - Government House Awka.
"The truth is, once we elect a person who is inherently controversial in any form, post-primary unification becomes impossible. Once we elect a candidate with lots of scores to settle both within and outside the party, then we are in for a rough ride at the general election," Ozigbo said.
"Electing a controversial personality only results in disunity within the party and inevitably ruin our chances at the general election," he warned.
"We must remember that winning the primary and winning the general election are entirely different. For this, we must critically consider the personalities aspiring to be our flag-bearers. Their character, track record, and antecedents should be diligently scrutinised.
"In making your decision, I urge you to consider what Ndi Anambra are expecting from their next governor," the respected business leader demanded.
Ozigbo also commented on the issue of zoning, saying, "Among others, the feelings of Anambra people on zoning is dominant and must also be considered. It is in the front-burner of every political discussion these days. Ndi Anambra have chosen zoning. So we, as a political party, does not have any other option but to accept it and move along with the people to whom power belongs."
Ozigbo, a prominent philanthropist, appreciated Hon Onwuaso for the exemplary act of calling for the town hall meeting and bringing his constituents up to speed on how he is using their mandate to him.
Commenting further, he said, "Anambra needs more leaders like you, who not only caters for the needs of the people but also listens to their feedback for better representation".
Hon. Engr. Sam Chinedu Onwuaso, on his part, wished Mr Ozigbo well on his quest to govern Anambra even as he warned that as governor of Anambra State, God willing, he must consider the interests of Awka North and South especially.
Mr Ozigbo concluded by assuring Hon. Onwuaso and the stakeholders that they would be proud of themselves and the party by the time he was done with his plans for the state.
Ozigbo is one of Nigeria's leading and most recognisable philanthropists. His non-profit charity is Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation which focuses on youth development, women empowerment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He resigned from his role as President of Transcorp Plc in 2020 to dedicate the next chapter of his life to public service.