In response to the resignations, Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the party and the candidate for the November Governorship election, downplayed the significance of the move, stating that it was nothing to be concerned about. He pointed out that the National Working Committee had previously received allegations of embezzlement of party funds and anti-party activities against the SWC.
However, Collins Opurozor, the former state publicity secretary, expressed his dissatisfaction with Samuel Anyanwu's suitability to govern the state during a press briefing held at the party's secretariat in Owerri on Sunday. Opurozor's sentiments were shared by the other resigning members present at the conference. The specifics of their future plans were not disclosed.
Opurozor highlighted the commitment of the Working Committee since 2020 in addressing issues that affected the state, inspiring faith in good governance and democratic norms. Regrettably, he declared that the PDP in Imo State had been irreparably damaged by Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, the National Secretary, and that the party was now moving inexorably towards its end.
He emphasized the achievements of the committee over the past three years, including the establishment of a strong and enviable PDP in Imo State. Their efforts to expand the internal democratic space by creating nearly five thousand chapters across all polling units had garnered support from the people. Despite limited resources as an opposition party, they successfully brought the party closer to the citizens. Opurozor also highlighted their dedication to accountability and their readiness to govern and reform Imo.
However, since Samuel Anyanwu assumed the position of National Secretary, Opurozor claimed that he had continuously deployed his powers to target members of the Working Committee and even ordinary party members. This had resulted in ongoing conflicts, the erosion of democratic values, and the defilement of Imo PDP. Opurozor accused Anyanwu of sponsoring baseless petitions against them, flooding the National Secretariat with frivolous allegations. Anyanwu had even threatened to dissolve the party in Imo State, despite their previous victory over him at the Supreme Court. Opurozor revealed that some members of the committee had faced assassination attempts due to false accusations of misappropriation of party funds propagated by Anyanwu and his violent supporters.
The resignation of these seven officials has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the PDP in Imo State, raising questions about the party's unity and stability. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the upcoming November Governorship election and the future of the PDP in the state.