By Nwabueze Okonkwo
ONITSHA – For her philanthropic activities, delegates at the just concluded senatorial primaries in Anambra State threw their weight behind former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah which enabled her clinch the People’s Democratic Party ticket for Anambra North Senatorial.
Out of a total of 297 accredited delegates that voted, 259 opted for Oduah, while other contestants in the race, including Senator Margery Okadigbo, former Minister of State for Water Transport, John Emeka and Chief Samuel Ikefuna shared the remaining votes, apart from the five votes that were declared invalid.
Some PDP leaders in the zone commended the delegates and the contestants for their peaceful conduct during the exercise and urged others participating in the electoral process presently in different capacities to toe the same path during their own elections.
Also the delegates said they voted for her because of her feat in the Aviation Ministry, as well as her penchant for remembering the down trodden through her foundation.
The Returning Officer, Anthonia Nwankwo while declaring Oduah winner having polled the highest number of votes described the election as the best so far in the history of PDP in Anambra State.
In an acceptance speech, Oduah said she was overwhelmed by the love demonstrated by her people in the PDP by choosing her to fly the party flag during the 2015 elections.
She said she has accepted the outcome of the election as a response to the call by her people for service and promised not to let them down. She acknowledged that there are difficult tasks ahead but expressed optimism that with the support of the people, they will overcome all challenges. She also called on other contestants in the race to join hands with her to ensure victory for the PDP and to bring positive developments to the people of Anambra North.
Also speaking, a former Member House of Representatives ,Hon. Jessie Balonwu and former Chairman, Onitsha South Local Government, Chief Basil Ejidike lauded the PDP delegates for their maturity and for voting their conscience without any form of coercion which manifested in the outcome of the election.
The Member Representing Oyi/ Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Chizor Obidigwe said the outcome of the election has shown that the people’s wish has prevailed. He advised other contestants to support the winner because according to him, it’s not a do or die affair.
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