The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unarguably learned some lessons, especially in Anambra State, according to governorship aspirant, Prince John Okechukwu Emeka, a young man with rich political background.

In times past, there would have been no fewer than 40 men and women, canvassing to pick the party’s flag to contest the governorship poll in the state. Then, there was little or no respect for subsisting laws and guidelines. Human feelings and other such indices, then, counted for nothing.

That period now belongs to the distant past, because complacency in Anambra, a core PDP state, is fast losing statistical backing.

Also time was when PDP had no fewer than four members on the party’s Board of Trustees(BoT): former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Chief Maxwell Okudo, Senator Onyeabor Obi and Chief Chris Uba, all from Anambra State.

John Emeka

Then, the 30-member state Assembly, 11 members, House of Representatives, and three Senators for the state were all PDP. Even today, all the three Senators were elected on the PDP platform while only two of the eleven members House of Representatives are from the incumbent governor’s party. That says a lot on what to expect in the coming governorship election.

However, many had feared that the squabble at the PDP national secretariat would persist as it seemed intractable, until the Supreme Court verdict rested it. The crisis had left the faint-hearted confused with some running to other political parties.

But in Anambra, the PDP remains the first choice in all ramifications, as exemplified by distinguished committed members like Prince John Okechukwu Emeka, who had through hard-work risen to be Minister of the Federal Republic.

Not being a ‘professional aspirant’ who usually jump into the fray for Senate or governorship contests, Emeka, is a thoroughbred, focused all-rounder who intends to take the state back to cherished traditional values and reinvent the system that abhors criminality but recognizes excellence and merit as a reward for hard-work and industry.

The pack: Prince John Okechukwu Emeka (North); Mr Oseloka Henry Obaze (North); Sen Stella Oduah (North); Hon Lynda Ikpeazu (North); Dr Alex Obiogbolu (North); Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (South); and Prof Akaolisa Ufodike-South.

Political opinion leaders in the state believe that despite the number of aspirants, it is actually going to be a straight fight between Emeka and the rest. That besides the pressure from former Governor Peter Obi, for his former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Oseloka Henry Obaze, it would have been a very easy walk-over for the Anam-born Prince Emeka.

Then, Dr Alex Obiogbolu, a man who has contested everything in Anambra State.

Hon. Lynda Chuba-Ikpeazu, Onitsha-born three-time member of the House of Representatives. She is certainly in the race not to win but just like Oduah, to be a bargaining chip for her seat.

Then Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, a political busy body, who can spring up surprises any moment. But because the party has resolved to allow North senatorial zone produce the next governor, it is clear he cannot fly this time.

Mr Akaolisa Ufodike, overseas-based, who apparently wished to announce himself by jumping into the governorship bandwagon, and has succeeded in doing just that. Though, new on the scene, he is said to hail from Nnewi (South) like Dr. Ubah). A disadvantage to both.

Looking beyond the party primary, Emeka, speaks of the lofty programme he has lined up at every step of the way for Anambra State, in the next four years.

Hear him: “Because I am convinced that even in the face of the prevailing security challenges and despair, we can rally round, show unity in strength and ensure security of lives and property as our people’s top priority. Also education, where no child would be left behind. Environmental degradation must be fought with the seriousness it deserves. The deplorable situation in the urban areas have remained life threatening, we shall therefore endeavour to reduce the ravaging effects of soil erosion by ensuring they are checked. We shall partner with the Federal Government and the international donor agencies to achieve this.

“Agriculture, trades/commerce that had remained the backbone of our people and our sustainability for ages must be rediscovered and taken to greater heights. Anambra can feed the zone and still have enough to export. The potentials are there.

“We must explore new grounds in trade and commerce, because our local folks must enjoy realistic tax reliefs. The state shall seek to explore and invest in alternative energy production, like hybrid solar power, for our energy needs. No community in the state would be without electricity anymore.”

We would explore economic opportunities in our hydrocarbon reserves, oil/gas resources and solid minerals, while artisan villages and industrial clusters must be established.

“Urban renewal and development policy would be massively and vigorously pursued, while healthcare, Science and Informational Technology would be made a policy of the entire school system and lifestyle of the state.

This is just a rough summary of the package in store for the citizens, Emeka stated. He promised no dull moment for the next four years when he is elected, assuring that the state must recover all lost ground fast.