ASABA/Nigeria: Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday converged in large numbers in Asaba, Delta State, to reaffirm their solidarity with the party and express confidence in its revival, months after a significant portion of its structure defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mammoth gathering, which doubled as the inauguration of the Delta State PDP Caretaker Committee and a stakeholders’ meeting, drew members of the party’s Board of Trustees, chieftains, elders, and supporters from across the state. Speakers at the event maintained that the PDP remained alive and resilient in Delta despite ongoing leadership disputes before the courts.
Representing the Dr. Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, the South-South Chairman of the party, Emmanuel Ogidi, urged members to stay focused and continue to support the PDP, assuring them that all legal issues would be resolved in due course.
Ogidi criticised those who defected from the party, describing them as ungrateful to the PDP, which he said had nurtured their political careers. He also faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over issues surrounding the party’s Ibadan National Convention, alleging bias in the handling of PDP’s internal disputes.
Expressing concern over the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results, Ogidi said PDP members would remain vigilant and defend their votes in the 2027 general elections. “You have kept faith and remained loyal despite threats and pressure. PDP remains the only party that has not changed its name, logo, or ideology. It is a people-oriented party,” he said.
Board of Trustees members Esther Uduehi and Ejiofor Onyia described the turnout as clear evidence that the PDP was far from dead in Delta State. Uduehi said the masses of the South-South remained firmly with the PDP, expressing optimism that the party would emerge victorious in a free and fair 2027 election.
“PDP that built Nigeria is alive. The party will work hard to regain control of government and restore the nation’s pride and global respect,” Uduehi stated.
Onyia commended Ogidi for sustaining the PDP’s presence in Delta following the mass defection led by Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC. He criticised frequent party switching, saying, “People with principles and ideology do not jump from party to party.”
Other speakers, including PDP chieftain Clement Ufuani and the Anambra State PDP Chairman, who also chairs the forum of PDP state chairmen, pledged renewed commitment to repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
A major highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of an 11-member Delta State PDP Caretaker Committee, chaired by Sylvester Monye. The committee was inaugurated with a three-month mandate to reposition the party ahead of its elective congress.
In his acceptance speech, Monye assured members that the committee would pursue inclusive engagement to rebuild the party and deliver on its assignment within the stipulated period, in line with the party’s constitution.
