By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that its 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, remains the lawful leader in Ebonyi State, warning against attempts by outsiders to hijack the party’s structure.
Vice National Chairman, Chief Goodluck Chidiebere Egwu, issued the warning to Ali Odefa, the former Southeast vice chairman, and his associates, describing their actions as unconstitutional attempts to interfere in party affairs.
“The PDP’s strength is in integrity and loyalty. Opportunistic elements who have turned against the party cannot dictate its future,” Egwu said, stressing that Odii remains the party’s recognized leader.
Egwu cited a Federal High Court ruling confirming Odefa’s non-membership in the party, invalidating his claims to any leadership position. “Any attempt to interfere is illegal and will attract jail. Security agencies have been notified to enforce compliance,” he added.
He described the purported suspension of Odii as “entirely illegal and a total error,” and condemned infiltration of the party’s convention committee by non-members, including former APC defectors.
On the leadership crisis in Ebonyi, Egwu was unflinching: “There are no legitimate executives in Ebonyi. The convention committee was compromised by non-members, including former APC defectors aligned with Ali Odefa. Such infiltration is unconstitutional and triggered court action.”
The Vice National Chairman emphasized strict adherence to the PDP constitution, highlighting the roles of governors and gubernatorial candidates as the recognized leaders of the party in their states.
He also condemned internal betrayal, pointing to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as an example of officials pursuing personal ambitions over party principles.
“Opportunistic elements within the party who have turned against it cannot dictate its future. The PDP’s strength is in integrity, loyalty, and the rule of law.
“The law is clear, and the court has removed Odefa from any position of authority,” Egwu said.
Looking ahead, Egwu outlined plans to rebuild the PDP in the Southeast through grassroots mobilization, membership drives, and direct engagement with the electorate, warning that “the people are watching. Any attempt to undermine the party’s integrity will meet the full force of the law.”
He also commended Senator Mao Ohuabunwa as the authentic Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), noting that while the BOT supports coordination with the National Working Committee, its authority is subordinate to the party’s constitutional organs.