Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Senate President and the Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT), of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of inflicting hardship and pains on Nigerians.
Wabara who spoke during his grand civic reception as the BoT Chairman in Umuahia, Abia State, on Saturday, expressed optimism that the PDP would return as the national ruling party in 2027.
“At this period where the APC government has caused untold hardship to the citizenry, our party remains the only institution with the structure, resources, and capacity to return this country to Its glory days ensuring the masses have a hopeful future for generations unborn,” he said.
Wabara promised to help revive the PDP and reposition it for greatness.
“I stand before you today to make a solemn pledge. 1 pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the success and advancement of the PDP. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our party remains strong, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of our people.
“But I cannot do this alone. I humbly request the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, both within and outside the party, to join hands with me in this noble endeavour. Together, let us write a new chapter in the history of the PDP.
“Let us strive for excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in all that we do. And let us never lose sight of the ultimate goal: to build a better, brighter future for Nigeria.”
Senator Wabara who was overwhelmed with joy said he lacked words to express his gratitude to all the people for honoring him .
“I didn’t believe I will be alive to see this day,” Wabara said in an emotion-laden tone.
He thanked PDP members for giving him the opportunity to serve as the party’s BoT Chairman, and pledged not to disappoint them.
The former Senate President who also noted that South-East had always provided a strong support base for the PDP, expressed hope that the zone would bounce back as PDP stronghold hold.
In his remarks, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Damagum, described Wabara as a stabilizer who had brought so much experience and maturity to the party.
Damagum also noted that South-East used to be a very stronghold of the PDP, expressing confidence that those exiting the party will all return before 2027.
“All those temporarily migrating from the PDP will come back before 2027. PDP will take over what belongs to them.
“PDP will come back sound, healthy and victorious,” Damagum declared.
He urged PDP members in the South-East not to despair but remain resilient despite their challenges.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Host and Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, described Senator Wabara as an Icon of democracy, recalling how he held sway as the Senate President “during the glory era of the PDP.”
Gov. Mbah who is the only PDP Governor from South-East, expressed confidence that Senator Wabara, as the BoT Chairman of the PDP, would deploy his experience to inspire renaissance of the party.
Speaking on behalf of the Governors, the Chairman of the occasion and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said he was very hopeful that PDP would return to power at the centre in 2027.
He described Senator Wabara as a true democrat who had sacrificed so much to build Nigeria, adding that his emergence as the BoT Chairman of the PDP would help reposition the party for greatness.
Gov. Alex Otti of the ruling Labour Party in Abia, surprised the crowd at the event when he suddenly showed up amid cheers by the crowd.
Otti said he decided to attend the event because of his respect for Wabara who he described as an elder statesman and a true son of Abia.
He said he does not discriminate against any Abia irrespective of one’s political affiliation.
“Our Government is a government without discrimination. After election governance starts. I’m the Governor of all Abians.
“For the first time in the history of Abia State, an Edo man is a Permanent Secretary. So, I convinced myself to be here even without invitation. Every Abian whether PPD, Labour or any party is first an Abian.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Otti used the occasion to reassure Abia residents and visitors that the state is safe and secure, vowing that the hoodlums behind the killing of five soldiers in Aba on Thursday will be fished out to face the consequences of their action.
“Abia is safe. We will leave no stone unturned to get the criminals. We will smoke them out,” Otti vowed.
Gov. Otti later announced a state banquet at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, in honour of the former Senate President to mark his 76th birthday.
No fewer than four serving PDP Governors attended the ceremony.
They include: Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Makinde of Oyo State; his Enugu State counterpart, Dr Mbah; and Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
Others dignitaries were former Governor Okwesirieze Nwodo of Enugu State; PDP’s BoT Secretary and former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi; PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu; and immediate-past Deputy Governor of Abia State; Sir Ude Oko Chukwu.
PDP heavy weights from across the country were also at the event which also was a show of force for the former ruling party in the state.
