Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has refuted allegations that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) engaged in vote‑buying ahead of the upcoming general elections. The PDP had previously claimed that the state government was distributing cash to voters to secure their support in the February 25 election.
In a press statement released to journalists in Owerri, the state capital, Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodinma, quoted State Commissioner of Information and Strategy Declan Emelumba. Emelumba described the PDP’s accusation as “the gasps of a drowning man desperate to drag everyone to his doom.” He condemned the party’s actions, asserting that the PDP is fragmented beyond redemption and not prepared to contest the election. Emelumba noted that the same party had recently complained about insecurity hindering its campaign, yet now it is accusing the government of vote‑buying. “It is now obvious that the PDP is not ready for the election, hence it is crying wolf,” he said, adding that the party lacks candidates in several constituencies, including the seat of Emeka Ihedioha, due to internal factionalism.
Emelumba also pointed out that the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was absent when the PDP launched a campaign in his home local government of Ikeduru. He argued that the PDP’s disarray has led it to resort to blackmail and to stir up sentiment against the state government, a tactic he likened to a drowning man gasping for breath and trying to pull others down with him.
Furthermore, Emelumba called the PDP’s claim that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is unfit to face the electorate “delusional.” He highlighted that the APC has consistently defeated the PDP, winning all bye‑elections in the state since assuming office in 2020. “The PDP cannot speak on behalf of the Imo electorate, which has repeatedly rejected them,” he said, noting that the APC’s achievements validate its acceptance in the state.
The commissioner concluded by expressing regret that the PDP has become a laughing stock to well‑meaning citizens and security agencies due to its “frequent, childish and unsubstantiated allegations against the state government.”
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