By Tony Adibe
The SouthEast Zone leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination and commitment to rebuilding and repositioning the party in Enugu State, despite the recent defection of the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and key government functionaries to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Zonal PDP stated this weekend in Enugu during an engagement between members of the SouthEast PDP Special Committee on Enugu Affairs and the Enugu State Working Committee, led by the Acting State Chairman, Barr. Steve Oruruo.
NewsBits reports that the meeting focused on reconciliation, revitalization of party structures, and renewed engagement with grassroots stakeholders across the 17 Council areas of the state. During the interaction, Chairman of the Special Committee and SouthEast Secretary of the PDP, Chief James Ugwu, said the meeting was a rallying point for unity and renewed strength within the party.
He noted that despite the recent political shifts, the PDP remains resilient and firmly rooted in Enugu’s political landscape. According to Ugwu, “We are not discouraged. This is a time for rebuilding, reconciliation, and strategic engagement.” He added: “We are mobilizing from the grassroots, reaching out to stakeholders, and realigning the party to truly reflect the will and aspirations of the people.”
Ugwu also emphasized that the PDP’s long-standing presence and achievements in Enugu would serve as the foundation for its revival, assuring party members that the structure remains strong and cohesive.
The Secretary of the Special Committee and SouthEast Zonal Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Engr. Sir Chigozie Igwe, in his remarks, described the engagement as an important step toward repositioning the PDP and reclaiming its dominance in Enugu politics.
He acknowledged that while the exit of Governor Peter Mbah from the PDP came as a surprise and left a sour taste, the party remains undeterred and focused on renewal.
“The PDP has been the cornerstone of Enugu’s political stability since 1999, and we are confident that our values, structures, and people-centered ideology will guide us back to victory,” Igwe said.
The Acting Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo, in his speech lauded the SouthEast leadership for its steadfastness and reaffirmed his commitment to the collective revival of the party.
“We will not be distracted by political developments around us. Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and restoring the people’s trust in the PDP,” said Oruruo, who was quick to add: “Our party remains the people’s choice — a platform founded on service, accountability, and development. We will work tirelessly to reclaim our mandate and reassert the PDP’s leadership in Enugu State.”
NewsBits learnt that the Special Committee on Enugu Affairs has been tasked with spearheading reconciliation efforts, strengthening party structures, and preparing the PDP for upcoming electoral contests. Igwe also said that the committee’s focus is on “fostering unity, bridging internal divides, and revitalizing local structures” to ensure the party remains a formidable political force.
He said: “We are building a movement that transcends individuals — one that represents the collective aspirations of the people of Enugu.” The SouthEast PDP further reaffirmed its confidence in the national leadership and expressed optimism that, “through unity and purposeful strategy, the party will reclaim Enugu’s Lion Building” and restore its legacy of responsive governance.
