By Collins Obibi

THE PDP presidential rally that took place in Imo State at the weekend was predictably a huge success. The massive turnout of Imo sons and daughters, aged and young and the genuine solidarity they expressed to President Goodluck Jonathan and his campaign team underscore this and set the stage for what to expect from the state in the February 14 presidential elections.

Few days to the Saturday rally, it was obvious that a great event was to take place in the state and since the late evening rally, campaign for the 2015 general elections has taken a new shape as more vigour and vitality indeed greater impetus has been given to it at all levels. Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, Imo has always voted for the PDP in the presidential election with the last one in 2011 recording almost 100 per cent vote cast for President Jonathan and nothing has happened to suggest a change of the order, the touted inroad of the opposition in the state notwithstanding.

One can boldly say that the recent appointment of the former governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa (Onwa) as the chairman of the PDP presidential campaign organization in Imo has helped to engender this turn of events, though many may argue that the closeness of the election has prompted the heated campaigns. The grassroots politician he is, he has in the characteristic manner dusted the opposition and completed two terms in office revived the PDP campaign in the state. Any semblance of disharmony in the party’s campaign has stemmed from the fallout of the primaries particularly the governorship primaries in the state. This too he has devoted time to nip in the bud.

What makes Udenwa easily a rallying point in political activities in the state is obviously a big lesson to many, particularly political office holders. His large heart, humane and easy going disposition endear him to all who come in contact with him. Also very endearing is his tendentious disposition to making the whole state his constituency which made him spread appointments and projects including the lucrative ones while in any office. Not given to sanctimoniousness, he does not brood down on aides and subordinates and gives people opportunity to prove their abilities. Recall that he had a stint with the opposition party and yet was prevailed upon to return to the rightful political environment and is dully recognized.

Perhaps his greatest marketing trait is the grassroots appeal. Qualified in all respects as a professional and an elite in the state, he places this behind him and reaches out to the grassroots. He uses men and materials to achieve this and in as much as such delivery agents can be appreciated, the greater credit goes to him for identifying them and saddling them with responsibilities that yield the ultimate good.

World over, in politics, sagacity tested round about is a must have to arrive at the pinnacle. Suffice it therefore to say that Udenwa has been tried and tested and indeed as it were immersed in the over boiling point political hot water of the state. His survival which must have come with expected bruises like those of a general in a war front places him at a not too easily glossed over position in the politics of the state hence the current inroads. As long as one remains in political limelight, he must contend with criticisms and oppositions. It is fascinating to seeing how Udenwa handles and surmounts all these and outwit his opponents in the political turf.

Fight, yes political battles, Udenwa has fought them in the state. Time there was when as a sitting governor in a dispensation of a president who acted true to type as a retired military officer, ready to interfere in the administration of federating states, some Imo sons and daughters attempted to take advantage of that situation to secure some benefits for themselves. Some of them high profile politicians from the state in key legislative and executive positions at the federal level with sufficient tentacles in Aso Rock the seat of the federal government under what was later ingloriously code named Abuja politicians began to generate heat for him in the state then.

Aside from becoming a clog in the wheel of progress of the administration, they threatened to halt his second term bid. In the battle royale that ensued, aside from Udenwa coasting home to overwhelming electoral victory and having a very successful eight year reign that laid the foundation for succeeding governors in the state, he made the Abuja politicians to understand and appreciate the fact that in the political arena there are masters. Till date many of them are yet to recover fully from that fight of the titans. You can only underrate udenwa at your own risk.

Since the President’s visit, the campaign train has continued its journey from Owerri to Orlu zone, Udenwa’s area where he is campaigning for all the PDP candidates and recording great inroads. Being a party leader and arrow head of campaign at state, zonal, council, indeed at any level particularly in an election year is not a matter of much speeches but ability to mobilize the people to vote for the candidate/s being presented for the election.

This is quintessential Udenwa and the arrow head of the Jonathan campaign in the state today. Needless therefore to probe into the direction of the campaigns so far and particularly in the next two weeks. Yet, I hasten to say that much more work is required as politics most times defile the clairvoyant predictions.

*Mr. Obibi, a journalist, wrote from Lagos.