Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the South-East, yesterday, threatened to defect en mass over unfair treatment by the party hierarchy.
They gave the warning in Enugu during the Zonal Executive Committee, (ZEC) meeting of the party, where they demanded that SKE Ude-Okoye be recognized as the National Secretary of the PDP with immediate effect.
“However, in the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the Party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the party said.
All the speakers at the meeting, which had Governor Peter Mbah, Chief Ali Odefa, among others in attendance, re-echoed that stand.
Edo assembly appoints new PDP whip
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday nominated Mr Eugene Inegbeboh (PDP, Igueben) as the new Minority Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly.
His nomination came following the defection of the former Minority Whip, Mr Yekini Idiaye (Akoko-Edo I), to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary in Benin, the Speaker of the House, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, read a letter from the state PDP chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, officially nominating Inegbeboh for the position.
The announcement, however, triggered a rowdy session after Mr Addeh Isibor (APC, Esan North-East I) challenged the legitimacy of the nomination, claiming that Aziegbemi’s chairmanship was being contested in court.
His objection was quickly countered by other lawmakers, including Minority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, who described Isibor’s claim as misleading.
Agbebaku intervened to calm the situation, stating that the House had no authority over internal party matters and urged members to let the issue rest.
Meanwhile, the House also passed a bill to establish the Edo State Public-Private Partnership Agency, aimed at enhancing infrastructural development across the state.
PDP stalwart commends NWC for constituting reconciliation committee
A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Utaan Terhide Conrad, has commended the PDP National Working Committee for constituting a 7-member Reconciliation Committee chaired by former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, calling it a “bold and commendable step towards reconciliation and renewal.”
Utaan made this known in a personally signed statement issued yesterday, in which he praised the PDP’s renewed commitment to unity, stability, and internal reconciliation.
“This initiative demonstrates the party’s sincere commitment to healing internal divisions, fostering unity among members, and laying a solid foundation for a robust and resilient PDP,” Utaan said.
According to him, the recent appointments and strategic moves reflect a clear intent to reposition the party for success ahead of future elections.
“I believe that such proactive measures will invigorate our party’s structures, rekindle the enthusiasm of our members, and position the PDP for greater success in the near future.”
Utaan also reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the PDP, urging members nationwide to rally around the leadership’s efforts.
“I encourage other party members in the 36 states and the FCT to remain resilient, ready to sacrifice, and willing to make concessions towards repositioning the PDP as the preferred platform for Nigeria’s progress and prosperity,” he added.
He declared that the party is on a sure path to resurgence following recent developments within its leadership.
Utaan’s statement is coming after the inauguration of the Dr. Bukola Saraki-led Reconciliation Committee and the appointment of Chief Samuel Ortom to the Board of Trustees (BOT).
“I wish to congratulate His Excellency, Chief Samuel Ortom, the Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State and the immediate past Governor of the state, on his inauguration as a distinguished member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of our great party,” the statement read.
Describing Ortom’s BOT membership as a strategic development, Utaan said: “Chief Ortom’s membership of the PDP BOT attests to his commitment, visionary leadership, and invaluable contributions to the PDP. I am confident that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear, and his presence on the BOT will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth, stability, and unity of the PDP across the country.”
The statement concludes with prayers for divine guidance upon the party and its mission: “May the Almighty God continue to guide and strengthen our great party. Long live the Peoples Democratic Party! Long live Nigeria!”
Group insists South-East PDP Zonal meeting illegal
PDP Reformation Agenda, a group within the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has described the Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) meeting, which was held in Enugu State on Wednesday as illegal.
In a statement made available to journalists yesterday, the group alleged that the meeting was convened by Governor Peter Mbah in apparent violation of the party’s constitution.
It said it was even more worrisome amid growing speculation that the governor is planning to defect from the PDP “after a failed attempt to unseat Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.”
According to Article 27(3) of the PDP Constitution, only the National Vice Chairman of a zone is authorized to convene a Zonal Executive Committee meeting.
However, the group was of the opinion that Chief Odefa was expelled from the PDP in November 2024, a decision it said was subsequently upheld by the Federal High Court in Abakaliki.
“Following his expulsion, both the National Legal Adviser and the Southeast Zonal Legal Adviser of the PDP issued a formal opinion confirming that Odefa is no longer a member of the party,” it stated.
In the statement signed by its Director General, Mazi O. Chukwuebuka, the group condemned the ZEC meeting and cautioned party leaders and members against participating in what it described as an unconstitutional gathering.
“We urge Governor Mbah to prioritize the party’s interests and his political future by acting in accordance with its principles, and desist from this path of infamy,” the statement read.
The group also expressed full confidence in the ongoing reform process being overseen by Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Dr. Saraki, who chairs the Reformation Committee.
It said the committee is expected to steer the party toward a smooth National Executive Committee meeting on May 27 and a National Convention in August 2025.
On the Enugu ZEC meeting, the group claimed that it was disguised as an inauguration of members of a “Mobilization Committee,” scheduled to take place at 12 noon today at the Banquet Hall, Old Government Lodge, Enugu.
“The ultimate goal of this maneuver is to coerce the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) and the recently constituted reform committee led by former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, into reversing the Supreme Court-backed recognition of Senator Anyanwu.
“However, sources close to Dr. Saraki suggest he is unlikely to endorse such a move, leading to heightened concerns over Governor Mbah’s political trajectory,” the group alleged.