House of Assembly candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who lost the April 11, 2015 election in Anambra State have withdrawn their petitions from the tribunal in solidarity with the Governor Willie Obiano administration.

The withdrawal of the 21 PDP candidates was made public yesterday at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia after a meeting they held with the state deputy governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke.

Their leader, Egwuonyibo Okoye, who was the PDP candidate for Nnewi South 2 Constituency, said that their decision to withdraw the cases was informed by Governor’s Obiano’s impressive performance so far in office.

He noted that it would also enable the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) lawmakers who emerged victorious at the election to give the governor the needed support to transform the state.

According to Okoye, any distraction for the State Government at this point in time could delay the progress being made in the state. He urged others who lost during the recent nationwide elections to emulate President Goodluck Jonathan, who promptly acknowledged defeat and congratulated the winner, Muammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Also speaking, Mr. Ifechukwu Udewulu (Nnewi North) and Mr. Humphrey Iloh (Njikoka 2) said that politics was a means to an end, which is to serve the people better. They said that their decision to concede defeat to APGA was a service to the people and urged the governor not to relent in his efforts to make Anambra State great.

Receiving the PDP candidates, the deputy governor described their gesture as being worthy of emulation, adding that the progress of the state was greater than the desires of individuals or a political party.

Okeke said that Governor Obiano was pleased with the decision of the 21 PDP candidates when they approached him for peace, saying they were tired of the rancour and bitterness that trail elections in the country.

The deputy governor observed that leadership is not about personal interest or political parties, but about availing the people of good governance, adding that the action of the lawmakers would help to mobilise the desired support towards the present administration’s resolve to develop all parts of the state.

While commending their decision to sheathe their swords and work for the peace and progress of the state, Okeke stressed that in view of the increasing level of development in the state, there were prospects that APGA would soon witness mass defection into it from other political parties.

However, a serving PDP member of the House of Assembly for Ihiala 1 Constituency, Mr. Modestus Ohazulike, who lost the election, said he was not aware of the meeting or decision and described the 21 PDP candidates as fake.

Ohazulike, who dissociated himself from the action, said that their action was not acceptable, insisting that the real PDP candidates who were allegedly robbed of their victory would seek redress at the tribunal.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.