Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barrister Steve Oruruo, has dismissed reports of parallel state congresses allegedly held in the state by another PDP faction led by Mr. Vitus Ikem.
He stated this while fielding questions from newsmen during the inauguration of the PDP e-registration exercise in Enugu State.
Oruruo described the claims of parallel congresses as “illegitimate and lacking legal backing.”
“People can gather for jamborees—it is their right; but if you are talking about PDP, it is the most nonsensical thing I have ever seen in my life.
“You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand.
“The Court of Appeal judgment was very clear—it suspended all the gladiators on their side, including Sam Anyanwu and others,” he said.
He argued that any structures formed under such circumstances were invalid.
“If they were suspended, and that suspension was upheld by the Court of Appeal, on what basis did they set up committees at the state level?
“They acted in chaos and without regard for the law; it is a complete waste of time,” he said.
Addressing concerns about possible deregistration of the party due to internal disputes, Oruruo dismissed the fears, insisting that the leadership was focused on compliance with electoral requirements.
“While they are busy gallivanting and talking about congresses, we are focused on meeting all the requirements to avoid deregistration.
“That is exactly what we are doing here,” he said.
He likened the situation to a custody battle, accusing some actors of working against the party’s interest.
“It is like a case of two people claiming ownership of a child—one wants the child split in two, while the other wants to preserve it.
“Those creating confusion are merely hirelings,” he said.
Oruruo, however, expressed hope for reconciliation within the party but maintained that legal options remained open.
“We want compromise, consensus, peace, and dialogue, but whether we reach a settlement or not, we will continue to the Supreme Court.
“We cannot allow our party to be destroyed,” he stated.
On whether the crisis would be resolved before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he acknowledged concerns but expressed confidence in the party’s resilience.
“PDP will survive, but it must get its act together quickly to qualify to field candidates in the elections.
“That is why we are doing everything possible to mobilise more members,” he said.
Oruruo also announced the consolidation of the party’s electronic registration (e-registration) drive, describing the exercise as a critical step in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
“About 260 ward representatives are here, along with local government coordinators and other party stewards.
“The purpose of this gathering is to keep them abreast of the essence of achieving the required membership numbers for the PDP. PDP is Enugu State, and Enugu State is PDP,” he said.
He stressed that the success of the e-registration exercise must reflect in actual membership figures.
