Senator Samuel Anyawu, the Imo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has refuted claims that he received N2.5 billion in campaign funds from the PDP Governor’s Forum. Addressing the media at the state party’s Secretariat in Owerri on Thursday, Anyanwu clarified that the funds were withheld due to his refusal to resign as the National Secretary of the party.
Anyanwu firmly stated, “I did not receive a dime from the PDP Governor’s Forum. The Forum insisted on my resignation as the PDP National Secretary before considering releasing the campaign funds.”
Despite alleged orchestrated sabotage by some party members, Anyanwu asserted that he remains the National Secretary of PDP. Regarding the recently concluded November 11 governorship election in the state, he criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to uphold the principles of a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Describing the election day events as a “rape of democracy” and a “broad-day robbery of Imo people’s mandate,” Anyanwu accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) of openly declaring a war against the people of Imo.
He expressed dismay at the irregularities, intimidations, brutal force, and ballot box snatching during the election. Anyanwu alleged that state officers abetted electoral malpractices instead of ensuring orderliness.
Highlighting the perilous situations faced by himself and his deputy during the election, Anyanwu revealed, “It is painful to observe that our Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Jones Onyereri, and I would have been murdered during the election. We were only saved by God’s grace.”
Amidst false accusations and attacks, Anyanwu commended the resilience of Imo people who, despite facing financial inducements, voted for the PDP. He emphasized their collective determination to create a safer and better Imo, grounded in peace, unity, and cooperation, free from the grip of insecurity, bad governance, and human rights abuses.
