Annie Okonkwo Gains Anambra PDP Senate Ticket

Chairman of the PDP’s National Assembly primaries panel for Anambra State, Sen. Joseph K.N. Waku, has confirmed that Sen. Annie Okonkwo is the only serving senator from the state returned to seek re-election into the Senate this year.

Sen. Waku in the certified result sheet released in Awka, Anambra state on Monday stated that Okonkwo (Anambra-Central), Dr. (Mrs.) Marjorie Okadigbo (Anambra-North) and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (Anambra-South) were the three elected candidates at the primaries, at the week-end.

The results were co-signed by secretary of the panel, Chief C.N. Ogbonna. The three other members of the panel are Mohammed Aliyu Dili, Hpm/ Ibrahim Kaita, and Ayodele Oyedeji.

Sen. Annie Okonkwo’s Senior Special Assistant (Media) Mr. Collins Steve Ugwu reacting to the development said that the senator was humbled by this confidence renewal by his people.

He added that, “The senator in his usual display of political sportsmanship had congratulated his competitors for a worthy outing, noting that as a family they must now unite for the bigger contest that the general elections present.”

Sen. Annie Okonkwo known for his veteran grassroots marksmanship and simplicity of access sailed through to victory with 292 out of 332 votes validly cast by delegates at the Jan. 8, 2011 primaries.

The keenly contested poll saw former House of Reps member Chudi Offodile scoring a worthy 35 votes and Chief Christy Okoye tucking in a princely 5 votes all in the Anambra-Central contest.

Sir Romeo Anyisia, director of operations of Sen. Okonkwo Campaign Organisation, who spoke briefly while trying to contain the surging youths and women celebrating the re-emergence of Sen. Okonkwo, noted that “the joy of these people is clear evidence that even in politics, a good product markets itself.”

He clarified that, in politics as in religion, there must be consistency of faith in belief and principles. Sen. Okonkwo has demonstrated the most sacrificial sense of loyalty and dedication to PDP in Anambra State than anyone else. So it is no surprise that he is the only sitting Senator that has so far gotten the nod to return unhindered. And that to me and our supporters is fair, logical and persuasive, Sir Anyisia concluded.

Meanwhile, women of Anambra-Central zone have been specially praised for their unique patience and history-making political awareness demonstrated during the primaries.

Making the commendation in Awka was Lady Chinyere Okonkwo who was evidently overwhelmed by the love the women showed to her husband’s candidature.

She remarked that what this shows is that the beauty and integrity of 2011 general elections surely lies in the hands of Nigerian women.