THE very foundation of stability and strength of every home is formidable to attack from every direction. And these attacks in most cases can come from within which may distraught the unity and cordial relationship that was once enjoyed by such home. This translates to the event that was of recent noticed in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as member of its Chieftains and patriotic Executives in the likes of Bode George and Dino Melaye asserts their displeasure on the current state of the party.
Chief Olabode George, member of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appointed into the newly inaugurated Disciplinary committee by the leadership of the party declined to serve, saying the committees were not what the party needs at this time to reconcile its members.
This accompanied by a statement made by Dino Malaye, who through his Social Media X handle made accusation about the acting PDP National Chairman, IliyaDamagum, the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, of destroying the party had somewhat caused netizens to raise eyebrows and make speculations to their claims that the party members in the National levels are yet to settler their ill differences as a family.
However, in the regional levels the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in some of its states have held their State Party Congress and elections which have otherwise been successful and rather proved that the party to be very united. This, same unit and cooperation is what is rather anticipated in its forthcoming Party National Congress. The success, however of recent PDP state congresses, may offer a glimmer of hope by which among the PDP States, Delta State’s PDP congress stands out, having elected new executives on Saturday the 31st of August without a hitch. This achievement is particularly noteworthy in consideration of the turbulent landscape of the party at national level.
The PDP have had it rough for many years now. The alleged misunderstanding between Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, who is now the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and other Party executives has continued to raise questions concerning the stability of the party.
As a result, deeper issues within the PDP, such as the struggle for control and influence among its members have risen to surface well enough to seep into public consciousness. Although, Wike’s influence in the party, particularly in the South-South region, may have been a point of contention but his ability to mobilize support and resources has made him a powerful figure that shouldn’t be undermined. In the same vein, it has also led critics to accuse of him undermining other party leaders and structures. This incessant power struggle has exacerbated the internal misunderstanding and made it difficult for the party to present a united front.
Despite all of these troubles at the national level, some of the party’s state chapters have been able to maintain a sense of internal stability as demonstrated by the recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress in Delta State, which was a masterclass in political organization and unity. The congress saw the emergence of Solomon Arenyeka as the new State Chairman.
Other state executives who were newly elected are listed as follows: Daniel Ossai as the new Vice Chairman, Delta North senatorial district; Anthony Akpomiemie as the new Vice Chairman, Delta Central senatorial district; Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba as the new Vice Chairman, Delta South senatorial district; Chief Isaacs Itebu as the new Secretary; Chief ChibuzorUwajei as the new State Treasurer; Fidelis Adjogbe as the new Financial Secretary; Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu as the new Publicity Secretary; Emmanuel Egbabor as the new Organizing Secretary; HessingtonOkolo as the new State Legal Adviser; Chief Mrs Dora Sakpaide as the new State Woman Leader; Francis Okolie as the new State Youth Leader; and Pastor Alex Akemotubo as the newState Auditor, amongst others.
Of course, the exemplary leadership and intervention of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori played a part in the success of the congress. He congratulated the newly elected members of the State Executive Committee, and admonished them to continue to foster unity and solidarity within the party, ensuring its continued growth and success, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
While speaking to the press, Oborevwori said, “You can see that the congress is peaceful.
We also thank God for the good weather today. More importantly, you can see that we (PDP members) are united in Delta State. That’s why you see that there is no crisis.”
After the Delta State Congress, Dr. Benjamin EssienOkiemute, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party leader in Isoko South, addressed journalists in Asaba, extending congratulations to Chief Solomon Arenyeka on his new role as State Chairman of the PDP in Delta State.
In tandem with the governor’s efforts, the presence of a large number of delegates, including past and present state and national legislators, underscored the broad-based support for the party’s leadership. Beyond the fact that it’s a clear a show of strength and unity within the party’s state chapter, it is also a reflection of the shared vision and goals among the party members. The successful conduct of the congress has definitely set a positive tone for the PDP in Delta State as it prepares for future elections.
The newly elected executives, led by Solomon Arenyeka, now have a clear mandate to build on this foundation of unity and work towards the party’s continued growth. The governor’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on delivering good governance and development across the state, provides a strategic framework for the party’s activities. The new leadership is expected to align with this agenda and drive the party’s vision forward.
It’s safe to say that the PDP faces a critical juncture in its history as it has to navigate the muddy waters of internal conflicts and power struggles ahead of the 2027 elections. However, in the midst of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) grappling with significant internal discord at the national level, the successful execution of state congresses stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. What this indicates is that at the state level, the party has not only demonstrated the ability to organize and mobilize effectively but may have also provided a template for overcoming internal strife.
The success of the party congresses across various states so far including Imo, Kogi and Bauchi also underscores the critical role of effective leadership at the local level. State leaders who have demonstrated transparency, accountability, and a willingness to engage with all factions have been instrumental in steering their chapters through turbulent times. Their ability to build consensus and foster unity has been a key factor in the successful execution of the congresses.
Juxtapose this with the perception of the party at the national level, which has been sufficiently marred by accusations of favoritism, lack of transparency, and an inability to manage internal conflicts. The national leadership could take a page from the book of the state chapters by adopting a more inclusive and transparent approach to decision-making, including the engagement off all factions, prompt address of grievances, and ensuring that all members feel valued and heard.
It has pretty much been established that when party members converge around a shared vision, such as electoral triumphs and constituent service, they can transcend personal animosities and forge a cohesive unit. Yet, the national party remains mired in a labyrinth of self-interest, where the aspirations of individual leaders threaten to supplant the collective imperative. Whether the party can reconcile this dichotomy and prioritize the greater good over personal aggrandizement remains to be seen as we inch closer towards the general elections in 2027.
Realistically, the national party should be giving credit to the state chapters for maintaining a little sense of decorum. By acknowledging the achievements of state congresses and learning from their best practices, the national party can foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This recognition can also serve as a morale booster for party members and reinforce their commitment to the party’s ideals and objectives.
