Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has asserted that despite ongoing internal wrangling and public perception of decline, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable political force in Nigeria.
According to him, even in its perceived weakest state, “the ghost of the PDP is stronger than most political parties in the country.”
Ikpeazu made the remarks during a South East PDP stakeholders’ meeting, where he stressed the importance of unity among party members and leaders in the region.
He urged all factions involved in internal disputes to put aside their differences and await the outcome of the party’s reconciliation efforts, led by former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.
His words: “Even in what some may call its weakest moment, the ghost of the PDP is stronger than most political parties in this country.
“That’s why we must be careful not to destroy what we have built over the years. We should close ranks, respect constituted authority, and allow peace to reign.”
The reconciliation committee, headed by Saraki, was recently constituted by serving and former PDP governors to restore internal harmony and ensure a peaceful National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and National Convention.
Ikpeazu also addressed tensions surrounding the position of the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, calling on aggrieved members in the South East to allow him to complete his tenure, which ends in December.
He said: “Is there anything we have asked Senator Anyanwu to do as the national secretary of the PDP in the South East that he has not done?
“I want to appeal to our leaders in the zone to allow him to finish his tenure. We must not allow ourselves to be distracted as a party, no matter the provocation.”
The former governor expressed concern over actions taken by some party leaders in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling affirming Anyanwu’s position.
He warned that such disregard for legal decisions could further weaken the party’s structure and prospects in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ikpeazu concluded with a strong appeal for unity, urging all stakeholders in the South East to work together to secure victory for the PDP in the upcoming electoral cycle.
