The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer for the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, continues to enjoy wide acceptability as the 'Movement for Dr Godwin Maduka' endorsed his candidacy.

On Sunday, July 11, 2021, the Movement, a prominent grassroots political group, formally announced that it had collapsed its structure and unanimously endorsed Mr. Ozigbo for the governorship of Anambra State.

During a courtesy visit to Ozigbo at the VCO Campaign Office in Udoka Estate, the group's leader, Hon Tochukwu Ilo, congratulated the respected business leader for the tremendous work that translated to victory at the PDP primary election which held on June 26, 2021 at the Women's Development Centre in Awka.

Ilo, who is the former Director-General of Godwin Maduka Foundation, described the emergence of Ozigbo as "divine", describing him as a “unifier, a strategic achiever and global economist” who possesses the requisite qualities to govern Anambra State.

"We are here today for several reasons, but top on the list is to convey our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Valentine Ozigbo, the duly elected candidate and flag-bearer of the PDP in Anambra State for a well-deserved victory," Mr. Ilo said.

"We also wish to congratulate the leadership of our great party, the PDP, for the wisdom employed in the conduct of the primary election that produced Ozigbo. Despite the challenges that bedeviled the party in the days and weeks preceding the election, the party leadership did its best to ensure that the election was free, fair and credible."

Ilo explained that the decision to endorse Ozigbo came after careful analysis of the events surrounding the conduct of the primary election, adding that the personality of Mr. Ozigbo also greatly influenced them.

According to Ilo, Ozigbo has demonstrated preparedness, grit and zeal, and considering his track record of excellence, Anambra will experience positive transformation if he is given the mandate.

"Valentine Ozigbo is my friend and colleague. We worked together in the financial sector. Ozigbo proved to be a goal-getter those days at the bank, always meeting targets and breaking new grounds. An articulate manager of human and material resources, Ozigbo transformed Transcorp Hilton, raising the bar and positioning it as the number one business hotel in Africa."

"His days at the bank and Transcorp Plc shaped him into a proactive leader, one who assesses situations and takes active charge of his roles and duties. He carries everyone along, always willing to listen and contribute where necessary. These and many more reasons gave us the confidence to come today and declare our total support for his candidacy," Mr. Ilo noted.

Another member of the group, Chief Chukwudi Ani, who also identified himself as a former colleague of Ozigbo in the banking industry, described Ozigbo as "a born leader.”

In his reaction, Valentine Ozigbo thanked the group for visiting at this strategic time, their kind words, and their commitment to the growth and unity of the PDP and Anambra State.

"I am overwhelmed with joy by your gesture of solidarity. This show of camaraderie is what our party needs at this moment. Once we won the primary, I began consulting within and outside the PDP to ensure a broadly inclusive, better and brighter Anambra we want to create," Ozigbo, a multiple-award-winning global CEO, said.

"I appreciate your endorsement, and I am convinced that as partners, we can actualise the grand vision I have for Ndi Anambra."

Other members of the movement present at the endorsement include Chief Richard Mmaduaburochukwu, Chairman OAU Awka branch; Chief Sunny Nnebe, CEO Sunned Investment Limited; Mr. Emeka Emeribe, Uche Anyaegbu, Okafor Martin and others.

Some directors and senior members of the VCO Campaign Organisation were also present to witness the endorsement including, Hon Tim Egboka, Director for Contacts and Mobilisation; Hon Eucharia Azodo, Director for Women and Welfare; Chief Tony Offiah, Director for Finance; Hon Ejike Oguebego, Director for Inter and Intra Party Affairs. Others present are Lady Love Ebe, former PDP Women Leader Anambra State; and Sir Izuchukwu Oraelosi, Manager VCO Foundation.

Mr. Obinna Ufudo, former President and Group CEO Transcorp Plc and a close friend to Ozigbo was also present.

•Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer for the 2021 Anambra governorship election, addresses members of 'Movement for Dr. Godwin Maduka' when the group endorsed Mr Ozigbo's governorship bid at the VCO Campaign Office in Udoka Estate, Awka, on Sunday, July 11, 2021 (Photo Credit: Onyinye Omah)

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