Southeast Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday in Enugu endorsed Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim as the zone’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election.
The stakeholders also demanded the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to their region.
Party faithful who spoke at the South East zonal briefing and consultative session called and hosted by Anyim described him as a humble and experienced politician that could turn the country around.
Former Governor of Abia, Sen. Theodore Orji, said Anyim had distinguished himself while serving the country in various capacities.
Orji who was the chairman of the occasion said: “it will be nice for us all to push and support the candidature of Anyim given his wide experience in politics.
“I greet and congratulate him for what he has done; stakeholders decided to support him as he presented himself formally,’’ he said.
Josephine Anenih, widow of Chief Tony Anenih, the former PDP Board of Trustees chairman, noted that Nigerians were looking toward PDP as power would shift in 2023.
Anenih frowned at the notion that no Nigerian of southeast descent could be president, saying that if the country wanted to practice equity, fairness, the next president should come from the South East.
According to her, leaders in Igbo land are now consulting and speaking with one voice.
She added that other people from the zone would love to contest, but that they would be examined and the best brain among them would be selected and supported.
Minority Leader in the Senate, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the occasion was a special moment for “Nd’igbo’’ and Nigeria at large.
Abaribe noted that many other aspirants had showed interest in the same position in the South East, but that the Southeast caucus at the National Assembly would parley with them all.
Earlier, Anyim said he was delighted that leaders from the zone honoured his invitation, stressing that Nigerians looked up to PDP to redeem the country, secure lives and property and create jobs.
He said that Nigerians expected PDP to return to power, adding that the Zoning Committee set up by the party had resolved the issue of zoning amicably.
“I have stood with PDP in good and bad times and I have never moved to other parties in spite of challenges.
“I can be entrusted with the mission and vision of the party. I have been in the Legislature and in the Executive showing that I can undertake the task.
“My presidency will ensure equity, fairness and inclusiveness and I have consulted governors of Enugu and Abia and other stakeholders on how to move the nation forward,’’ Anyim said.
The former Senate President added that the responses received so far were overwhelming.
