Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have reassured members that the party is united and committed to conducting a credible and transparent congress process across the state.
The assurance was given during a meeting of party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders held at the Westend Hotel in Asaba, where officials discussed preparations for the Local Government and State Congresses.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Panel for the Delta State PDP Local Government and Ward Congresses, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, said the panel was sent by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to supervise the congresses in the state.
According to him, the panel’s responsibility is to ensure that the congresses are conducted in line with the constitution and guidelines of the PDP.
“We are here on the authority of the National Working Committee of our great party to conduct the congresses in Delta State,” Nwachukwu said. “All party members and aspirants have already been briefed on how the exercise will be conducted.”
He explained that a Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been set up to coordinate the congresses at the grassroots level and will be deployed to different local government areas to oversee the process.
Nwachukwu added that members of the panel would also visit several local government areas to monitor the exercise and ensure that it is conducted fairly, peacefully, and according to the party’s rules.
The panel chairman expressed confidence in the strength of the PDP in Delta State, describing the party as the dominant political force in the state.
He also noted that some people who left the party might eventually return.
“In our local saying, when someone leaves home, they often realise later the value of where they came from. When they discover that the outside environment is not what they expected, they will come back,” he said. “And when they do, the PDP will always welcome them.”
Nwachukwu further revealed that a recent judgment from the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan had strengthened the legitimacy of the party’s current national leadership.
According to him, the court affirmed the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, with Senator Ben Obi as National Secretary, as the recognised leadership of the party.
He urged party members to remain focused and not allow themselves to be distracted by conflicting information.
“Do not allow anyone to deceive you. Stand firm and protect the unity of our party,” he said.
Also speaking, the Immediate Past Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, commended party members for their commitment during the recently concluded Ward Congresses.
Otuaro said the meeting marked the beginning of the next stage of the process, which is the Local Government Congresses, to be followed by the State Congress in the coming days.
“This meeting ushers us into the next phase of the process. Tomorrow we will conduct the Local Government Congresses, and afterwards we will move to the State Congress,” he said.
He encouraged party members to remain loyal to the PDP and continue supporting the party as it works to strengthen its structure.
Otuaro emphasised that the party leadership is committed to respecting the rule of law and following the party’s constitution in all its activities.
“As you return to your various local government areas, please ensure that you follow the guidelines that have been explained by the panel chairman,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the Local Government Congresses would be peaceful and successful, just like the Ward Congresses that had already taken place.
Otuaro also appreciated the role played by security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders in supporting the process.
He reaffirmed that Delta State remains a stronghold of the PDP, adding that the party is working to further strengthen its leadership and unity.
In his remarks, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP in Delta State, Mr Peter Mrakpor, assured members that the party remains strong and united despite political challenges.
According to him, those who remain in the party do so because they believe in its values and direction.
“The PDP is not dead and will never die. We know where we are going, and we will continue to move forward,” Mrakpor said.
He emphasised that the party is committed to peaceful political engagement and has no intention of engaging in violence or political conflict.
Mrakpor also noted that since April last year, the party has been following the proper process in reorganising its structure, starting from the Ward Congresses to the Local Government Congresses, and eventually to the State Congress and National Convention.
He stressed that the PDP has always operated in line with the rule of law, which he said is necessary for any organisation to remain strong.
“Any organisation that does not respect the rule of law will collapse. Even families have rules and procedures that guide them,” he said.
Mrakpor encouraged party members to remain committed and patient, assuring them that their loyalty to the party would produce positive results in the future.
He congratulated members and thanked them for their continued support of the party.
“This is good news for all of us. I thank you for your dedication and commitment to the PDP,” he said.
“God bless you all.”
