Ben Ezechime, Enugu
A forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders comprising former party executives and political office holders has dismissed claims by Barr. Steve Oruruo that he is the Acting Chairman of the party in Enugu State following the defection of Governor Peter Mbah and others to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued in Enugu and signed by Dr. Godwin Udibe (Chairman), Chief John Nwobodo, Esq. (Secretary), Prof. Chris Onodugo, and Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike, the forum described Oruruo’s claim as illogical and baseless, urging party members and the general public to disregard it.
The statement partly read:
“In light of the press conference by the former Deputy Chairman of PDP Enugu State, describing himself as acting chairman, we deem it necessary to inform genuine party members and the general public to disregard the claim as it defies not only logic but party convention.
“For context, the Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, alongside the Deputy Governor, 17 Local Government Chairmen and their deputies, 260 Ward Councillors, as well as Ward, Local and State Party functionaries, including 22 members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, all defected to the APC.
“A few weeks before the defection, the self-acclaimed acting Chairman, Barr. Steve Oruruo, participated in an Enugu East Stakeholders’ Meeting where speakers openly called on the Governor to join the APC. He neither dissented nor distanced himself from the move, which clearly indicated his complicity in the defection process.”
The forum further argued that the mass defection effectively rendered the PDP’s state organs, including the State Executive Committee (SEC) and the State Working Committee (SWC), defunct.
“In the context of the party’s constitution, there is no surviving State Working Committee in Enugu. Even if Oruruo were the only remaining member, he alone cannot constitute or function as the SWC. He cannot summon or preside over himself. The narrative he is pushing is practically impossible,” the stakeholders stated.
They added that Oruruo lacked the authority and legitimacy to act on behalf of the PDP in Enugu State.
“We wish to state unequivocally that Barr. Steve Oruruo lacks the competence and vires to act on behalf of the PDP in Enugu State. His assumption of office as a one-man SWC is a complete aberration.
“Traditionally, when a sitting PDP governor defects, the party dissolves the existing executives and appoints a caretaker committee. Enugu’s case cannot be different. We are aware that the National Leadership of the Party is already considering this option,” the forum said.
According to the stakeholders, rebuilding the PDP in Enugu would require a complete overhaul, beginning with a fresh membership registration drive and issuance of new membership cards.
They also warned against infiltration by moles allegedly working to undermine the party’s rebuilding efforts.
“We are aware of plans by some individuals to infiltrate the party and leak information to the APC. We are alert and will resist such devious attempts. For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically reject Barr. Steve Oruruo as Acting Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State. Genuine party members are advised to await directives from the National Headquarters, which will be communicated soon,” the statement concluded.
