Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has predicted “total victory” for the party in Imo State during the 2015 general elections.

Akpabio, who made the prediction Saturday at the PDP sensitisation rally held at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Imo State to receive defectors from APGA to PDP, however said this would only happen if the PDP faithful in the state are united.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor blamed the party’s loss of Imo in 2007 to disunity. He said that to ensure total victory for PDP in next year’s polls, party members must live in unity and contribute to the development of Imo State. Akpabio stated that the party had already realised its mistake of the past and determined to ensure that it retakes Imo.

Speaking during the rally, Chief Achike Udenwa, a one-time Governor of Imo State, said his decision to return to PDP was necessitated by the wishes of his supporters. He promised to deliver Imo State to PDP at all levels in the 2015 general elections.

In his speech, PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, said the return of founding members of PDP in the state was a clear testimony of a new dawn in the party. He described PDP as the winning party in the country, urging members to work together for its success in 2015.

On his part, President Goodluck Jonathan described PDP as the hub around which democracy in Nigeria revolves. According to him, “There would be no democracy in Nigeria without the PDP. The Peoples Democratic Party is the only political party in Nigeria that follows democratic principles and the rule of law. It is the only party that can unite this country.”

Jonathan further described PDP as the only political party in Nigeria with consistent policies and principles, saying: “Since we started PDP in 1999; the name has not changed, the logo has not changed and or slogan has not changed.

“We are here because some of us who for one reason or the other stepped aside have stepped back to the party. Today, we are witnessing the unity of Peoples Democratic Party and the party will now be strong as it was in 1999. Imo State has been a PDP State and will continue to be PDP.”

Those who returned to PDP with their supporters at the occasion include Chief Achike Udenwa, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Senator Christy Anyanwu and Chief Mike Ahamba.

The event was attended by PDP chieftains such as Senate President David Mark, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Chairman, Board of Trustees of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, and some PDP Governors.

•Photo shows Governor Godswill Akpabio exchanging pleasantries with his predecessor, Obong Victor Attah, at a Special Thanksgiving Service to Mark the Elevation of Justice Inyang Okoro to the Supreme Court of Nigeria . . . yesterday at The Apostolic Church, Akpan Essien Lane, Uyo.