PDP South East Denies Holding Congress in Ebonyi
By Kelechi Ugo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East zone has strongly denied reports that a congress was held in Ebonyi State, insisting that no valid exercise took place at any level of the party’s structure within the state.
In a statement issued on Friday by the National Vice Chairman of the PDP (South East), Hon. Goodluck Chidiebere Egwu, the party described the purported congress as an "illegal charade" orchestrated by external forces allegedly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Egwu, the event was staged by expelled former PDP chieftain Chief Ali Odefa in collaboration with the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah. He claimed both individuals are working against the interest of the PDP in the region and have no legal standing within the party to convene such an event.
“No lawful PDP congress was conducted in Ebonyi State at the Ward, Local Government, or State level,” Egwu said. “The names being circulated as party executives are the product of an illegal and stage-managed event, and carry no legitimate.
Citing a Federal High Court ruling delivered on 11 December 2024 in Abakaliki, Egwu referenced Suit No. FHC/AI/CS/183/2024, in which Justice Hillary I.O. Oshomah restrained the PDP from conducting any congress in Ebonyi State and barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring such an exercise. The judgment, which remains unchallenged in any higher court, was reportedly ignored by those who organized the controversial congress.
INEC, in adherence to the court's directive, did not monitor or recognize the event.
Egwu further alleged that the congress forms, which were meant to be distributed by the National Working Committee (NWC) through zonal officials, were hijacked in Abuja by Odefa and Governor Mbah. This, he said, prevented legitimate PDP stakeholders in Ebonyi from participating in any internal party election process.
“It is on record that Ali Odefa was suspended by his ward and later expelled from the PDP — a decision upheld by a competent court. He is no longer a member of our party, and any activity linked to him is null and void,” Egwu stated.
The PDP South East leadership affirmed that the National Working Committee has acknowledged the irregularities surrounding the previously attempted congress and is now making arrangements for fresh congresses in both Ebonyi and Anambra States. Dates for these will be announced soon, Egwu said.
He reiterated that no congress is valid unless ratified by the NWC, presented to the National Executive Committee (NEC), and duly communicated to INEC by the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary — none of which occurred in this instance.
The PDP South East zone called on members and loyalists to remain calm and not be misled by what it described as "APC-sponsored propaganda." Egwu commended the NWC, PDP leadership, and reconciliation committees for their role in defending the integrity of the party.
“No amount of blackmail, lies, or propaganda will derail our mission to reposition the PDP and reclaim Ebonyi State come 2027,” he concluded.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and a transparent rebuilding process across the South East.
