Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has reassured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state that he has no intention of departing from the party. Instead, he affirms his commitment to remaining with fellow party members to reconstruct and strengthen it.
During the party’s caucus meeting at the new party secretariat in Umuahia, the former Governor affirmed his stance, emphasizing the need for unity among members to expedite the party’s return to success.
He reiterated that the departure of some of his former aides and other PDP chieftains to different political parties is solely their individual decision.
He said, “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. I will remain in PDP and will never be found wanting in my responsibilities to our party and its rebuilding process.
“Those who want to leave will leave no matter what you do but loyalty is also about the realization that at some point this party has been good to you. It is now time for sacrifice especially from those who previously benefitted from our party in one way or another as we must all join hands to reposition it.”
In his earlier remarks, the state PDP Chairman, Honorable Asiforo Okere, expressed appreciation to members who have remained steadfast in their support for the party, particularly following the 2023 elections. He reminded them that despite the party’s loss in the gubernatorial election conducted on the same day, it still maintains a majority in the state House of Assembly.
He revealed that the National Working Committee of the party has granted a three-month extension to elected ward executives, serving in an acting capacity, and has formed three committees to address Peace and Reconciliation, Way Forward, and Finance matters.
Adding to the discussion, Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central, asserted that while individuals are free to switch political allegiances, the PDP in Abia State represents a movement that cannot be extinguished.
Furthermore, elder statesman and member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, called for unity, emphasizing that the time for assigning blame is over. He highlighted the absence of factions within the party and stressed that leaders and members have gleaned valuable lessons from the 2023 elections and must be prepared to make a comeback.
“It is now time to reposition the party and ensure that young members find comfort and space to contribute to the party and leadership in the state.”
Other members of the caucus who attended the meeting include the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, PDP governorship candidate at the 2023 elections, Chief Okey Ahiwe, former and serving PDP members of Abia State House of Assembly led by Hon Solomon Akpulonu, members of the National and State Working Committees as well as invited stakeholders.