Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said  it’s his turn to take charge of Imo State after Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha, and Hope Uzodimma.

Anyanwu spoke in Owerri, the Imo State capital at the start of a group called the ‘Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy.’ ‘Sam Daddy’ is Anyanwu’s politics moniker.

He mentioned that all of his fellow leaders who later took charge of the state came from “the old PDP in Imo,” stressing that it would be fair and just to give him the opportunity to lead when the voters go to the polls next year.

He said, “We were four strong PDP members, myself, Hope Uzodimma, Ikedi Ohakim, and Emeka Ihedioha.

“As God may have it, all three of them have ruled over Imo state, and I have remained myself. I have come to take my turn and I believe the other contestants will make space for me.”

Anyanwu admitted that political power is fought over, but he said he is still focused on his goals.

“It’s true that power isn’t given, it’s taken. I’ll stay focused on the ball,” he said.

He said he is confident about the PDP’s future, mentioning that the party is growing stronger and gaining more supporters.

Anyanwu said: “Fortunately, the PDP is becoming stronger and more united today. Our number is also growing by thousands.

“I’m saying this clearly and honestly, PDP is the only party our people really trust, and we won’t let the people of Imo down.”

Anyanwu asked the new group members to work hard and get support for the party in the rural areas.

He also warned about unfair practices during elections, saying the PDP will send its own workers to watch over the polling stations.

Anyanwu said: “Listen to me, there’s nothing they know that we do not know.

“And there’s nothing they possess that we don’t already have. No matter how they want it done, we’re up for the challenge. But we’re telling them that their tricks won’t work this time.

“We have placed our people around every polling station where they will watch over the voting process and keep the ballots safe until the results are declared in our favor.

“We have a lot of other things going on for Sam Daddy. We have the parent body, ‘Divine Mandate’.

“We have the Mass Movement for Sam Daddy. I ask you to work together with everyone to make sure the Imo people are involved in the new song.”

Head coach of Delta Queens Hockey Club, Ade Jacobs, has expressed confidence that his team will reach the final of the ongoing 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League in Abuja

Mr Jacobs stated this during an interview after their second match on Sunday in Abuja.

He said his team remains focused on reaching the final stage of the league despite playing out a draw in their second match. .

Mr Jacobs said that though his players were below their usual standard, he was confident they would improve in subsequent games.

“It has been fine so far. We won our first match 5-0, and this second match ended in a 1-1 draw. Well, it’s one of those things that happen sometimes in matches because most of my girls looked a little bit heavy. I don’t know why.

“We intend to improve on that. In our next match, against I-G Babes on Tuesday  by 11 a.m . They will come out better, and I can assure you of that,” he said.

The Delta Queens coach reiterated the team’s ambition, recalling their third-place finish in the 2025 Nigeria Hockey Super League.

“We are determined to go a step further this season.Last season, we finished in third place. This season, our target is to play in the final match . We just have to be in the final stage,” he said.

Mr Jacobs also commended the organisers for the  smooth conduct of the competition

“So far, so good. They are doing well,” he added.

Delta Queens opened their campaign in impressive fashion with a convincing 5-0 victory over Yobe Desert Queens in their opening match before settling for a 1-1, against South West Hockey Club of Lagos in their second fixture.

A total of seven women’s  teams comprises Kada Queens, Plateau Queens, Delta Queens, Yobe Desert Queens, IGP Babes, South West, and Edo Queens.

Kada Queens are the reigning women’s champions, while Kada Stars are the defending champions in the men’s category.

The 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League which commenced on June 26 will end on July 5 at the National Hockey Pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

(NAN)