The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South East has elected a new zonal executive to oversee the party’s operations in the region, with Chief Ali Odefa returning as Zonal Chairman.
The election occurred during the party’s zonal congress at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu on Wednesday. Hon. James Ugwu was elected Zonal Secretary, Mrs. Regina Uchebo as Zonal Treasurer, and Hon. Cornelius Okey Ugwu as Zonal Organising Secretary. Additionally, Madubuike Okoro, Engr. Chigozie Igwe, Barr. Dominic Nwankwo, and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Arodiogbo were appointed as Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Legal Adviser, and Woman Leader, respectively.
Godswill Nwanoruo and Ezeanya Augustine were also elected as Zonal Youth Leader and Auditor.
Furthermore, six National Ex-officio members and five Zonal Ex-officio members were elected.
In his address, the Governor of Enugu State and leader of the party in the South East, Dr. Peter Mbah, reminded party faithful that “election is never an end in itself, nor should the resulting victory be interpreted as personal triumphs.”
He urged party members to position the PDP as a model for good governance, asserting that “democracy abhors excuses—regardless of how plausible they may sound.”
“We fully understand the demands and expectations of the people in a democratic setting. At its core, good governance is our primary commitment as a party,” Mbah stated.
“For us in Enugu State, prioritising the people is central to our governmental policies. We take seriously our responsibility to enhance their welfare.
“This commitment reflects our determination to make the provision of basic services a given for the people.
“Democracy transcends the pursuit of office and power. It is fundamentally about the people. We cannot stress this enough,” Mbah emphasised.
He further urged party loyalists to foster unity and reinvigorate the party to restore its former glory in the South East.
“The party’s greatness lies in its ability to reinvent itself and maintain its national appeal despite challenges. The South East has always been a stronghold for the PDP, and we must ensure it remains so.”
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the 21-member Zonal Executive, Zonal Chairman Chief Odefa called for unity, stating that this is the only assurance of the PDP’s victory over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of enacting harmful policies and misgovernance that have caused widespread suffering.
In attendance at the congress, which was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were Enugu State’s Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; National Secretary, Hon. SKE Ude-Okoye; Senators Sam Egwu, Osita Ngwu, and Augustine Akobundu; party National Auditor, Chief Dan Obi; along with Federal and State lawmakers, council chairmen, State party executives, and other delegates from the zone.
