The South East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the federal government of fueling the party’s lingering internal crisis as part of a broader scheme to sideline it from the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was raised on Tuesday by the party’s South East Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, during the inauguration of the Abia State PDP Caretaker Committee at the party’s zonal secretariat in Enugu.
Odefa argued that the leadership disputes rocking the PDP are neither accidental nor organic but are being driven by forces aligned with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the objective is to weaken the opposition and obstruct its participation in the next electoral cycle.
“There are people who are bent on destroying PDP. They want us not to participate in the 2027 general elections. For some years now, PDP has been in trouble orchestrated by some anti-PDP agents. They don’t want PDP to grow. But we won’t accept that,” he said.
He called on party faithful to remain steadfast despite the turbulence, assuring them that the PDP would weather the storm.
Expressing optimism about ongoing legal proceedings, Odefa said the judiciary would ultimately deliver justice in the party’s favor.
“We are hopeful that the court will bring justice to PDP. We have confidence in the judiciary. Many of them are still men and women of integrity. A week ago, the Court of Appeal consolidated all the appeals. We expect a favorable judgment. The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. Let justice prevail,” he stated.
Turning to the newly inaugurated Abia State Caretaker Committee, Odefa charged its members with the task of restoring unity and repositioning the party in the state. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but voiced confidence in the leadership of the committee.
“The job of the Abia PDP committee won’t be easy, but based on your experiences, we are hopeful. The chairman is a dogged man. He will pilot the affairs of PDP in Abia State very well. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Those who are steadfast will see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
In his remarks, the committee’s chairman, Ikegbu Emeka, described his appointment as a pivotal responsibility for the party’s revival in Abia.
“This is a defining moment for PDP,” he said.
“It calls for sacrifice. PDP has been ridden with crises of late. The Ibadan national convention defined our moment. Despite the challenges, PDP is back. We accept this challenge fully,” he stated.
Emeka stressed that reconciliation would be central to the committee’s mandate.
“Our mission is to unite our party. This is the time for forgiveness. We call on all aggrieved members to join hands to reposition the party ahead of the next general elections. With the inauguration of this committee, something will happen in Abia State,” he concluded.
Members of the caretaker committee include Ikegbu Emeka as chairman and Felix Nwagbara as secretary, alongside Chief Fidel Chukwuemeka, Engr. Gladys Okoro, Chief Chijindu Kalu, Kelvin Enyi, Mrs. Ugo Kalu, Barr. Obinna Nwaogwugwu, and Samuel Chukwudi Mike.
The event drew several party stakeholders, among them the PDP South East Zonal Secretary, Chief James Ugwu.
