Umuahia, ABIA — In a move that quells swirling rumours about his political allegiance, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, the immediate past Governor of Abia State, has openly reaffirmed his commitment to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), outlining his vision for a united and rejuvenated party front. During a highly attended meeting of the Abia State PDP caucus at the party’s new secretariat in Onyerubi Crescent, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Ikpeazu voiced a strong plea for unity and shared responsibility among party members, signalling a determined effort to steer the party back to its winning ways.
Amidst a climate of political defections, Ikpeazu’s announcement serves as a rallying cry for party members, urging them to remember the benefits they have reaped from the PDP and to contribute to its rebuilding. His statement, “We must all take individual responsibility for our performance in the 2023 elections even as our party is going through self-cleansing at the moment,” highlights a period of introspection and recalibration within the party.
The caucus meeting, a convergence of PDP stalwarts, also featured addresses from notable figures such as the state PDP Chairman, Rt Hon Asiforo Okere, and Senator Austin Akobundu, who echoed Ikpeazu’s sentiments about loyalty and the indomitable spirit of the PDP in Abia State. Okere pointed to the party’s retained majority in the state House of Assembly as a sign of resilience and a base for future successes.
In a strategic move to solidify the party’s foundation, the National Working Committee extended the tenures of elected ward and LGA executives by three months, laying the groundwork for the constitution of key committees focused on peace, reconciliation, and financial planning. This step underscores a broader effort to harness the strength of the party’s grassroots structure in navigating its comeback.
Abia Online gathered that the meeting was a who’s who of PDP leadership, including elder statesman Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, who called for an end to divisiveness and a focus on inclusivity, particularly for younger members. His remarks captured the essence of the gathering, a blend of reflection and forward-thinking, setting a tone of optimism and renewal for the PDP in Abia State.
As the party gears up for a period of rebuilding, Ikpeazu’s pledge to remain a pillar of support and his call for collective sacrifice marks a pivotal moment in the PDP’s journey towards resurgence. With the echoes of unity and commitment resonating through the ranks, the PDP stands on the threshold of a new era, ready to reclaim its prominence on the political landscape of Abia State and beyond.