By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: Acting Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, has declared that key figures who left the party will soon return, as the PDP intensifies internal reconciliation efforts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Newsday, shortly after the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Ogidi said the PDP had taken a “hard pill” and now stands united in its resolve to fix its internal issues and reclaim its place as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
“The storm is over. The party has agreed to talk to itself, and the August NEC meeting will prove to Nigerians that we are more than ready,” Ogidi said confidently.
He dismissed fears over recent high-profile defections, insisting that most of the political heavyweights who left the party never anticipated that the PDP would recover and reinvent itself so quickly.
“Those who left never knew we’d come this far, but now they see the progress. They will come back. I am very sure of that. PDP is the only opposition with the structure and strength to defeat the APC,” he said.
He likened the PDP to an Iroko tree that had been pruning its branches to grow stronger, adding that some of those believed to have defected were still actively participating in party affairs, including the NEC meeting.
“Some never resigned officially. You can’t serve two masters—it’s against the constitution—but we’re creating the atmosphere for them to return. And they will,” Ogidi stated.
Commenting on the controversial endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s second term ambition by the Governor of Osun State, Ogidi said the PDP will issue a clear position after its national convention scheduled for November 2025.
He criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as widespread economic hardship and policy failure, particularly condemning the government’s reported N10 billion budget for inverters at the Aso Rock Villa.
“This government has no mandate of its own. They’re mismanaging the PDP blueprint they inherited. The only thing they’re good at is telling lies,” Ogidi said.
On the issue of anti-party activities, especially by appointees like the FCT Minister, Ogidi maintained that the party would not be distracted.
“The focus now is rebuilding, not demarketing the party. But after the convention, anyone still acting against the party will face sanctions in line with our constitution,” he warned.
He assured that the PDP is now more committed to inclusivity and learning from past mistakes, noting that women and youth will play more active roles moving forward.
Ogidi admitted that internal strife had brought the party to a difficult place, but emphasized that the PDP is addressing those root issues and preaching peace and unity.
“The PDP is owned by the people, not by one or two individuals. It remains the home of real democrats. We’re back on track, and those who left will find their way home,” he concluded.
