People’s Democratic Party members in their large number gathered in Asaba to reaffirm their solidarity and support for the party in Delta State.
The gathering, which was the inauguration of Delta State PDP Caretaker Committee and Stakeholders meeting, came after many months when almost the entire structure of PDP moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP Board of Trustee members, chieftains, elders , members and supporters who attended the event gave assurances that PDP would emerge stronger despite its leadership legal disputes before the courts.
A representative of the Dr. Kabiru Turaki led National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi who is also the South South Chairman of the party urged members to remain focused and continue to support the party.
Ogidi accused those who defected from the party as being ungrateful to the PDP which he said had made them what they are today.
On the Ibadan National convention of the party, Ogidi said INEC attended the NEC meeting where issues of the convention were discussed, alleging that the electoral umpire had been taking side, instead of been fair in the lingering disputes confronting the PDP.
He expressed optimism that all the legal disputes would be resolved soon.
Ogidi, who noted with dismay the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results, said PDP members would defend their votes in 2027 general elections.
He stated, ”I know many of you have been wondering what has been happening. You have kept faith, and remained loyal members of the PDP despite being threatened to abandon the party,
”PDP is the only party in this country today that has not changed its logo, name and ideology. It has remained people oriented”.
Party chieftains who spoke at the event included Dame Esther Uduehi and Chief Ejiofor Onyia who are PDP Board of Trustee members . They referenced the mamoth crowd of PDP members at the event as an indication that the party was alive in Delta, contrary to insinuations that the party was dead.
Uduehi stated, ” The powers- that -be thought they had taken away all the South South governors but have they succeeded in taking away the people of the South South? No. The masses, the people of the South South remain PDP members. We believe that even with the Senate rejection of transmission of election results, PDP will win in free and fair 2027 general elections”
Uduehi stated further, ”PDP that built Nigeria is alive. The party will work hard to win, and take control of government, and will restore the country to its pride of place where it will earn global respect.”
A member of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Ejiofor Onyia, commended the South South Chairman of the party, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi for being able to sustain the presence of PDP in Delta State after the mass defection of members led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the All Progressives Congress.
”People with principles, people with ideologies don’t jump from party to party, unless they are political prostitutes. What will make a man of dignity to leave his party and political family, and go to the enemy party and family that has been fighting you for many years”, Onyia stated.
Others including PDP chieftain, Chief Clement Ofuani, and the Anambra State Chairman of PDP who doubles as chairman of PDP Forum of State Chairmen , affirmed their commitment to working for the party to make it victorious in 2027 general elections.
Highlights of the event included inauguration of the 11-member Delta State PDP Caretaker Committee with Professor Sylvester Money as chairman.
Members of the committee were inaugurated by the National Chairman of the party with a mandate to reposition the party within a three -month tenure ahead of its elective Congress.
In an acceptance speech, Chairman of the Delta State PDP Caretaker Committee, Professor Sylvester Monye said they were ready to carry everyone along through meaningful and purposeful engagement to rebuild the party head of 2027 general elections.
While calling for the cooperation and support of all PDP members, Professor Monye said his committee would deliver on its mandate within the three-month tenure in line with the party’s constitution .
