A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, has declared that no individual or political office holder can intimidate the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Kalu made the statement during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the PDP secretariat in Umuahia, where he charged party leaders and members to remain united, fearless, and fully mobilised ahead of the next electoral battle.
The former Commissioner for Information and Trade and Investment urged the State Working Committee (SWC) to send a strong message across the state that the PDP remains formidable, organised, and ready to reclaim power.
According to him, party members should ignore what he described as the “noise of war” from the ruling government, insisting that such rhetoric only reflects fear of the PDP’s strength and electoral capacity.
“While Abia State has long been known for peaceful elections, no one should assume they have a monopoly on any strategy, especially unnecessary threats meant to instil fear,” Kalu warned.
He said the PDP, based on its long political experience, has chosen the path of peace as its strategy for victory in 2027, but warned that the party would not fold its arms if provoked.
“Do not be afraid of the noise of war, because the noise of war is not war. Those sounding it are scared of the PDP. They know it is only the PDP that can defeat them and remove them from power,” he said.
“They are aware we still have the structure that can deliver victory with little effort. I have also observed attempts to deliberately militarise Abia State. The language being used by the governor, such as ‘write your will’, is alien to our political culture. But we are not intimidated.”
Kalu also condemned what he described as reckless and threatening statements allegedly made by some political actors in the state, saying such comments were aimed at creating fear among opposition members.
“Threats about dead bodies from a deputy chairman and other reckless statements from local government chairmen are flying around. All of these are aimed at creating fear, but we are not buying it,” he stated.
He recalled that elections conducted under previous PDP administrations in Abia were largely peaceful and questioned why violent rhetoric was now becoming part of the political atmosphere.
The PDP stalwart said the party remains rooted in the peaceful political legacy of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, but also understands how to defend itself politically when necessary.
“If they want peace, we will give them peace. But if they attempt to intimidate us, we will resist firmly. We prefer peace, but nobody — no matter his position — can intimidate the PDP in Abia. This is our land, and no one can make us panic on the soil of Abia,” he declared.
He appealed to the State Working Committee to intensify mobilisation efforts and reconnect with former members who may have left the party, noting that many were already realising there was no better political alternative.
“However they want it, we will give it to them. Let the message resonate loud and clear: we are back and ready,” Kalu added.
He expressed confidence in the PDP’s structures and electoral strength, urging members not to be distracted by what he described as “childish intimidations.”
Responding, the PDP State Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, thanked Kalu for his solidarity and commitment to the party, saying his visit had further boosted the morale of members across the state.
“PDP remains visible in most families, polling units, wards, and local governments across Abia. We appreciate stakeholders like you showing commitment. You have demonstrated that you are a true party man with a good conscience,” Amah said.
Also speaking, the Abia State PDP Woman Leader, Mrs. Fidelia Ukejianya, commended Kalu for standing firmly with the State Working Committee and assured him that his advice and counsel would be fully implemented.
The meeting reflects the PDP’s growing determination to reposition itself and mount a stronger political challenge ahead of the 2027 governorship and general elections in Abia State.
