Former President Goodluck Jonathan and state governors who emerged on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday stormed Onitsha for the grand finale of the campaign rally of the party's candidate, Mr Oseloka Obaze, for the Anambra State gubernatorial election.

Jonathan called on Nigerians to defend democracy, even as Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Mr Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, enjoined the people of Anambra State to vote for the PDP candidate.

According to Jonathan, “we must all collectively defend democracy. Elections should be free and fair. Do what you can to make democracy succeed.”

He urged the people of Anambra State to vote for Obaze because he would bring development to the state, adding: “Obaze is enterprising. He has a lot to offer the people and he will ensure good governance.”

The former President used the occasion to thank Nigerians, especially, the people of South East, for their support to him and the PDP, stating: “Anambra State remains a PDP state; founding fathers of the party are from Anambra State.”

Fayose, accompanied by his Gombe State counterpart, Alhaji Ibrahim Dakwanbo had met Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the Asaba International Airport from where they moved to Onitsha for the rally, which was described by pundits as "mother of all rallies and a clear indications that PDP will clinch the governorship seat."

Fayose urged the people of Anambra State to vote for Obaze as there was no other political party that has track record of project delivery than the PDP, stating that Obaze's election would boost the socio-economic life of the people.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike called on the people of Anambra State to watch out for those who might want to rig in the elections, noting that other political parties were aware that they could not win without rigging, but they such could be checked by the people for their choice to emerge.

Former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State took a swipe at Governor Willie Obiano, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), for allegedly mismanaging the funds of the state. He called on the people of the state to vote for Obaze because he would develop the infrastructure of the state.

“Of all the money that Wilie Obiano received, he did not construct a kilometre of road in Onitsha within four years of his being in office,” he stated.

In his speech, Obaze assured the people of good governance, asserting: “We are here to serve the people of Anambra State. We will work for our people; we need to use our resources to serve the people.”

Some of those who spoke at the occasion included the Chairman, South-East Governors' Forum, Dave Umahi; Chairman of the PDP in the state, Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu, among others.

The event was attended by a mammoth crowd of members of the PDP and supporters of Obaze’s governorship ambition.

•From right; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; immediate past President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; the Anambra State PDP flag bearer, Henry Obaze (right on white) during the Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party grand finale in Onitsha, Anambra State.

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