Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders in Enugu State have vowed to rebuild the party.
This is following the exit of Governor Peter Mbah from the party.
It could be recalled that Mbah, on Tuesday, dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC, alongside his predecessor, Rt Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his exco members, state lawmakers, among others.
His exit is believed to have left a big void in the party, with the PDP having controlled the coal city state for 26 years.
However, in a statement issued after a stakeholders meeting held by the PDP members on Thursday, they said though Mbah’s defection is condemnable, they would rebuild the party.
A communique issued after the meeting was signed by Dr. Godwin Udibe, Caucus Chairman and Hon. Chief Barr John Nwobodo, Caucus Secretary.
The stakeholders described the governor’s action as cringeworthy.
While they recognised that it was within the governor's right in the exercise of his freedom of association to join any party of his choice, the stakeholders said they expected him to have left the structure of the PDP in the State intact.
The communique continued that, “Notwithstanding the vacuum created by the Governor's exit, we make bold to state that there are more than enough able, competent and progressive members poised to reposition the party and reclaim the position of Governor from Peter Mbah in 2027.
“We declare that PDP remains a formidable platform in Enugu State and the defection of the Governor, House of Assembly members, Executive Council members, Local Government Council Chairmen and their Deputies, Councillors and most PDP Executives and members will not affect the fortunes of the PDP in Enugu State.”
The meeting resolved to immediately “commence a rebuilding effort under the auspices of New PDP Enugu State with Ichie Ezechinyelugo, Dr Godwin Udibe, former Commissioner for Lands Enugu State as Caucus Chairman and Hon. Chief Barr. John Nwobodo (JP) as Caucus Secretary.”
They commended the National leadership of the PDP for its efforts towards restructuring and repositioning PDP.
“We specially commend the ongoing preparations by the National Convention Organizing Committee led by the Adamawa State Governor, His Excellency, Umaru Fintri for their steadfast commitment to organise a successful National Convention.
“Most importantly, we appreciate the PDP leadership for appointing Ojeziligbo, Senator Ben Ndi Obi as Secretary, PDP National Convention Organising Committee to replace Governor Peter Mbah the erstwhile Secretary of the Committee.
“The New PDP Enugu State pledges to commence immediate reconciliatory efforts to unite members of the party in Enugu State.
“Furthermore, the New PDP hereby announces a plan to begin a new membership drive to populate the party with Progressives,” the communique concluded.
