From Magnus Eze, Enugu
A former leader of Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ani Caleb Onyema, has been elected candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area, ahead of the forthcoming council poll.
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), had fixed October 5, 2024 for the conduct of local government election in the State.
At the primary election of the PDP conducted at the council headquarters on Wednesday, Ani garnered 33 votes out of the 39 delegates that were slated to vote in the exercise.
Returning officer for the election, Fidelis Agbo said 33 delegates voted while six were absent.
Announcing the result, Agbo said: “Ani Caleb Onyema having satisfied all the requirements is hereby declared the winner of the election and is returned as the candidate of the PDP for Enugu South Local Government.”
PDP Chairman of Enugu South, Freedom Nnam who presented the winner to party faithful, said they were certain of victory at poll with Ani flying the party’s flag.
In his acceptance speech, the highly elated Ani thanked Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah for his developmental strides which he said, has contributed to the sustenance of the party.
“I’m very very delighted for this wonderful opportunity that my party has given to me to fly their flag on the 5th of October, 2024. I will be a bridge between the stakeholders of the party and the people at the grassroots,” he said.
He appealed to all leaders of the party to “unite once again and for the common good of our people as this cooperation will ensure speedy development of our council. Caleb will stand for all of us because my candidature is borne out of grace and for that reason, we’ll ensure that everybody will smile.”
He was upbeat that he will come out victorious in the main election following his years of experience and the popularity of the PDP as a result of the uncommon transformation of Enugu state by Governor Mbah.
“We’re not just passerby, we’ve been part of the system and have worked tirelessly in the party and our society. I’m a former councillor of Amaechi Uno and Obeagu Uno ward and the immediate past Leader of Enugu South Legislative House. These opportunities have exposed me to my people and we have been engaging them on individual basis and understand their plight and as such, my choice as the candidate of the party will bring a paradigm shift and we’ll come out victorious in the election.”
He assured members of his party that they will work together before, during and after the election to deliver dividends of democracy to the 13 electoral wards in the council area. He further assured them that nobody will be left behind.
He thanked the delegates, the State Party Chairman, Augustine Nnamani, the former Anambra Governor, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, the LGA party chairman, and other stakeholders of the party.
Shortly after being declared winner, Ani announced Anthony Egbo as his running mate.
The election was monitored by Egbuke Osita and Collins Okoro of the ENSIEC.
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