During the party’s zonal congress on Wednesday at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) re-elected Ali Odefa.
Thus, he continues his role as national vice chairman, demonstrating the party’s support in the South-East region.
The congress also saw the election of other key executive members to lead the party in the zone.
The newly elected officials include James Ugwu as zonal secretary, Regina Uchebo as zonal treasurer, and Cornelius Ugwu as zonal organising secretary.
Others are Madubuike Okoro (financial secretary), Chigozie Igwe (publicity secretary), Dominic Nwankwo (legal adviser), Ifeyinwa Arodiogbo (woman leader), Godswill Nwanoruo (zonal youth leader), and Augustine Ezeanya (zonal auditor).
Controversy Surrounding Odefa’s Re-Election
Odefa’s re-election comes amidst significant controversy, as a federal high court in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, had recently affirmed his expulsion from the party.
In October 2024, the PDP executive committee in Oguduokwor ward, Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State, suspended Odefa over allegations of anti-party activities.
In November, a federal high court upheld the suspension.
Subsequently, in December, the ward executives expelled him officially, following recommendations from the disciplinary committee.
However, on January 15, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) rejected Odefa’s suspension and expulsion, declaring them “null and void.”
This decision paved the way for his re-election during the zonal congress.
Governor Mbah Urges Unity and Exemplary Leadership
Speaking at the congress, Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu State, emphasized the importance of unity and strong leadership within the PDP. He urged the newly elected officials to prioritize good governance and uphold the party’s values in the region.
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“Democracy abhors excuses, no matter how plausible they sound. We fully understand the demands and expectations of the people in a democratic setting. The bottom line is good governance,” Mbah stated.
He reiterated that the PDP has always been committed to improving the welfare of the people, noting that Enugu State’s policies reflect this commitment. “For us here in Enugu State, the people remain the centerpiece of government policies. The improvement of their welfare is not a task we regard with levity,” he added.
Mbah emphasized the historical significance of the South-East, noting it as a stronghold for the PDP.
Therefore, he urged party members to collaborate effectively to preserve this legacy.
“The South-East has always been a bastion of the PDP. We must ensure that it remains so,” he said.
A Call for Unity
The governor further advised party members to shun divisive activities and focus on fostering unity within the party. He emphasized that democracy is not merely about power struggles but about addressing the needs of the people.
“The party’s greatness stems from its ability to reinvent itself; consequently, it maintains national appeal despite facing challenges,” Mbah concluded.
The PDP aims to strengthen its presence in the South-East.
Consequently, observers will closely monitor how newly elected officials handle internal disputes.
Moreover, these officials must fulfill their mandate by upholding democratic ideals.
Simultaneously, they need to focus on improving governance in the region.
