Concerned stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State have reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing the party amidst recent defections and internal grievances. Speaking under the umbrella of “Concerned PDP Stakeholders in Enugu State,” the group declared their intention to rekindle grassroots support and resist the growing influence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties.
Leading the charge was Ozo Dr. Okey Ozoani, former Zonal Chairman and Vice Chairman of PDP in Enugu State, who emphasized the party’s enduring legacy in the region and the urgent need to preserve its dominance.
“We are here as members and stakeholders of PDP from various wards and local governments. We’re concerned about the wellbeing of our party and the defection of some of our members to other parties, especially the ADC,” Ozoani stated.
He recounted PDP’s historical electoral strength in Enugu State, describing it as a party deeply rooted in the political culture of the people.
“There was a time they called PDP 11 of 11, 17 of 17, and 2 of 2 — that’s three senators, eight House of Representatives members, the governor, and councillors. All PDP products,” he said.
Ozoani warned against what he described as attempts by political “strangers” to hijack the PDP, stressing that the founding members must resist such moves.
“The forum is not against anybody. The governor is PDP, and so are we. But we will not leave the party for strangers. That’s the cause of this sudden departure.”
He urged party loyalists to return to their wards and begin the work of grassroots re-engagement.
“We must talk to stakeholders, especially those who feel they’re no longer carried along. PDP is like a military barrack — soldiers come, soldiers go, but the barrack remains. We must remain.”
Responding to a question on whether he would follow the governor if he defected to another party, Ozoani dismissed the suggestion as a rumor and emphasized that PDP remains united.
“It’s an unfounded story. There is nothing happening in PDP. The likes of Bukola Saraki, George Bode, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ortom and others have remained firm. Those leaving are the ones who caused problems in the first place.”
Looking ahead, the stakeholders expressed confidence in upcoming national PDP meetings and called for the 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, a move they say would restore equity and national balance.
“If PDP had allowed Peter Obi or Nyesom Wike to emerge as presidential candidate in 2022, it would have been a strong contest. APC was smarter — they zoned to the South. The political question in Nigeria is simple: North goes, South goes.”
Ozoani also criticized what he termed a recurring pattern of political coalitions aimed at undermining Southern leadership.
“Each time the South is in power, the North begins to form coalitions. They never did that under Buhari. They succeeded with Jonathan in 2015 but Obasanjo clamped it down. Whenever it’s a southerner, coalitions spring up to frustrate them.”
He concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the group to PDP’s future and urged all stakeholders to reject distractions and recommit to the party’s ideals.
“We are intact. Our party is stable. We are not leaving. Instead, we are rebuilding, and we call on all loyal members to do the same.”
