Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Imo State governorship election, saying it is now his turn to lead the state.
Anyanwu made the declaration on Saturday in Owerri during the inauguration of the *Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy*, one of several support groups backing his governorship ambition.
Speaking at the event, Anyanwu noted that he and three other prominent politicians—Hope Uzodimma, Ikedi Ohakim and Emeka Ihedioha—were once members of the PDP in Imo State. He pointed out that all three have served as governor, leaving him as the only one yet to occupy the office.
"We were four strong PDP men—myself, Hope Uzodimma, Ikedi Ohakim and Emeka Ihedioha. As God may have it, all three have governed Imo State, remaining myself. I have come to take my turn, and I believe other contestants will give way," he said.
Anyanwu acknowledged that political power is contested but maintained that he remains focused on his ambition.
"It is true that power is not given; it is taken. I will keep my eyes on the ball," he added.
The PDP national secretary also expressed confidence in his party's prospects ahead of the election, saying the party is growing stronger and attracting more supporters.
According to him, the PDP remains the preferred choice of many residents in the state and is committed to providing effective leadership.
Anyanwu urged members of the newly inaugurated support group to mobilise voters across communities and strengthen the party's grassroots structure.
He also warned against electoral malpractice, stating that the PDP would deploy agents to monitor polling units during the election.
"There is nothing they know that we do not know, and there is nothing they have that 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.
He added that the *Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy* is one of several groups supporting his governorship bid, alongside *Divine Mandate* and the *Mass Movement for Sam Daddy*.
Anyanwu was the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo governorship election, which was won by Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
