The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo, has announced the consolidation of the party’s electronic registration (e-registration) drive, urging members to intensify efforts to boost enrollment while dismissing reports of parallel congresses as baseless.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu on Wednesday during a training of both ward and local government agents that will drive the registration at the grassroots, Oruruo said the exercise marks a critical step in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
“About 260 ward representatives are here, along with local government coordinators and other party stewards. The purpose of this gathering is to keep them abreast of the essence of achieving the required membership numbers for the PDP. PDP is Enugu State, and Enugu State is PDP,” he said.
He stressed that the success of the e-registration exercise must reflect in actual membership figures.
“That must translate into actual membership. It’s not just about talk—you know, talk is cheap. The reality is that our people, in their numbers, must be properly captured,” he added.
The PDP chairman noted that the electronic registration process requires deliberate sensitisation, especially in rural communities.
“Because of the rigorous processes and stringent registration procedures, we need to educate people so that those in rural areas can be included. They are not very media-savvy,” he explained.
He urged party officials at all levels to act swiftly in driving the registration process.
“Those who are in the vanguard of this exercise must act expeditiously. The only way this can happen is for leadership to create a framework through which ordinary people can be easily reached,” Oruruo said.
While acknowledging progress so far, he called for increased momentum.
“We have been engaged in the registration process for a while, and we are not doing badly. But I want more speed. I want us to capture more people. By the end of next week, we should be able to assess how far we have gone,” he stated.
On reports of parallel PDP congresses in the state, Oruruo described such claims as illegitimate and lacking legal backing.
“People can gather for jamborees—it is their right. But if you are talking about PDP, it is the most nonsensical thing I have ever seen in my life,” he said.
“You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand. The Court of Appeal judgment was very clear—it suspended all the gladiators on their side, including Sam Anyanwu and others.”
He argued that any structures formed under such circumstances were invalid.
“If they were suspended, and that suspension was upheld by the Court of Appeal, on what basis did they set up committees at the state level? They acted in chaos and without regard for the law. It is a complete waste of time,” he said.
Addressing concerns about possible deregistration of the party due to internal disputes, Oruruo dismissed the fears, insisting that the leadership was focused on compliance with electoral requirements.
“While they are busy gallivanting and talking about congresses, we are focused on meeting all the requirements to avoid deregistration. That is exactly what we are doing here,” he said.
He likened the situation to a custody battle, accusing some actors of working against the party’s interest.
“It is like a case of two people claiming ownership of a child—one wants the child split in two, while the other wants to preserve it. Those creating confusion are merely hirelings,” he said.
Oruruo also expressed hope for reconciliation within the party but maintained that legal options remain open.
“We want compromise, consensus, peace, and dialogue. But whether we reach a settlement or not, we will continue to the Supreme Court. We cannot allow our party to be destroyed,” he stated.
On whether the crisis would be resolved before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he acknowledged concerns but expressed confidence in the party’s resilience.
“PDP will survive, but it must get its act together quickly to qualify to field candidates in the elections. That is why we are doing everything possible to mobilise more members,” he said.
Reaffirming his leadership, Oruruo cited a court ruling backing his position as state chairman.
“We went to court and obtained a judgment declaring me as chairman, and stating that no national authority can remove me except through a properly conducted congress,” he said.
“At the state level, I remain fully in charge, based on the court’s pronouncement. Until that ruling is vacated, nobody else can claim to be chairman here. Anyone making such a claim is simply joking.”
He added that despite internal challenges, the PDP in Enugu State remains firmly under control and focused on strengthening its base through the ongoing e-registration exercise.
