The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has declared that it is now his turn to govern Imo State, arguing that other leading politicians from the same political circle have already had the opportunity to lead the state.
Anyanwu, popularly known as “Sam Daddy,” made the declaration on Saturday in Owerri during the inauguration of the Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy, a support group established to mobilise grassroots backing for his 2027 governorship ambition.
Speaking at the event, the former PDP governorship candidate recalled that he, Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and former Governor Emeka Ihedioha all emerged from what he described as the “old PDP” in Imo State.
“We were four strong PDP men… myself, Hope Uzodimma, Ikedi Ohakim and Emeka Ihedioha,” Anyanwu said.
“As God may have it, all of the three have governed Imo State, remaining myself. I have come to take my turn and I believe other contestants will give way.”
Despite his confidence, Anyanwu acknowledged that political power is earned through competition rather than entitlement.
“It is true that power is not given, it is taken. I will keep my eyes on the ball,” he stated, expressing optimism about his chances in the next governorship election.
The PDP chieftain also insisted that the party is regaining strength across the state, claiming that its membership continues to grow as more people identify with its vision.
“PDP today is growing stronger and more united. Our number is also increasing in thousands. PDP is the only party our people believe so much in, and we won’t let Imo people down,” he said.
Anyanwu urged members of the newly inaugurated support group to intensify grassroots mobilisation, particularly at the polling unit level, ahead of the 2027 election.
He also warned against electoral malpractice, saying the PDP would deploy agents across polling units to monitor the voting process and safeguard election results.
“There’s nothing they know that we do not know. There’s nothing they have which we do not have. Whichever way they want it, we are equal to the task. Their rigging tactics will not work this time around,” he said.
Anyanwu added that the Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy is one of several political structures supporting his governorship bid, alongside groups such as Divine Mandate and the Mass Movement for Sam Daddy. He called on members to work together to build momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The PDP stalwart was the party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election, which was won by Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
