OWERRI — The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has declared that it is now his turn to govern Imo State, citing a political lineage that has seen three of his contemporaries — Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha, and incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma — rise to the position ahead of him.

Anyanwu made the declaration in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the formal unveiling of his political support group, the “Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy.”

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The PDP scribe, who is closely aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, pointed out that all the leaders who have governed the state after him emerged from the old PDP structure in Imo. Expressing optimism that other aspirants would step aside for him, he argued that handing him the opportunity to lead in the next election would only be fair, given how the political fortunes of the group have played out over the years.

While acknowledging that political power is never simply handed over, Anyanwu insisted he remained undeterred and focused on his ambition.

“We were four strong PDP members — myself, Hope Uzodimma, Ikedi Ohakim, and Emeka Ihedioha,” he said. “As God may have it, all three of them have ruled over Imo State, and I have remained myself. I have come to take my turn, and I believe the other contestants will make space for me. It’s true that power isn’t given, it’s taken. I’ll stay focused on the ball.”

Turning to the fortunes of his party, Anyanwu expressed confidence in the PDP’s growing strength, noting that its support base continues to expand.

“Fortunately, the PDP is becoming stronger and more united today. Our number is also growing by thousands,” he said. “I’m saying this clearly and honestly, PDP is the only party our people really trust, and we won’t let the people of Imo down.”

He urged members of the newly launched group to intensify grassroots mobilisation, particularly in rural communities, in order to secure broader support for the party.

“Listen to me, there’s nothing they know that we do not know. And there’s nothing they possess that we don’t already have. No matter how they want it done, we’re up for the challenge. But we’re telling them that their tricks won’t work this time,” he said.

Anyanwu disclosed that the group had already deployed loyalists to monitor polling units across the state, with a mandate to safeguard ballots until results are declared. He further revealed plans for complementary structures backing his ambition, including the “Divine Mandate,” described as the parent body, alongside another group known as the “Mass Movement for Sam Daddy.”

“We have a lot of other things going on for Sam Daddy. We have the parent body, ‘Divine Mandate’. We have the Mass Movement for Sam Daddy. I ask you to work together with everyone to make sure the Imo people are involved in the new song,” he added.