Nobody can uproot PDP in Abia – New caretaker c’ttee chair, Emeka -Yellow
* Vows party rebirth ahead of 2027
By Steve Oko
The newly inaugurated caretaker committee chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow, has declared that no force can uproot the party from the state, pledging to rebuild and reposition it as a dominant political force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emeka-Yellow made the declaration in his acceptance speech after the nine-member caretaker committee was sworn in on Tuesday in Enugu by the PDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Ali Odefa.
Other members of the caretaker committee include Chief Ochiobi Fidel Chukwuemeka, Engr. Gladys Okoro, Chidindu Kalu, Samuel Chukwudi, Kelvin Sampson, Lady Ugo Kalu, Obinna Nwaogwugwu, with Felix Nwagbara serving as Secretary.
Acknowledging the enormity of the assignment, the new chairman said the committee was fully aware of the expectations and would deliver without excuses.
He identified reconciliation of aggrieved members and the unification of the party as core priorities.
“This is not merely an appointment; it is a call to service, sacrifice, and selfless leadership,” he said.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that the PDP, particularly in Abia State, has in recent years been beset by serious leadership challenges. These weakened our structures, dampened the morale of members, and momentarily diminished our once formidable presence.”
Emeka-Yellow stressed that reconciliation would be central to the committee’s mandate, noting that the time had come to heal wounds and rebuild trust.
“This is a time for reconciliation, not recrimination; a time for forgiveness, not finger-pointing; and a time to rebuild, not to dwell on the past,” he said, appealing to aggrieved members to return and work collectively to reposition the party for victory in 2027.
The former Commissioner at the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC) warned against personal and sectional interests, insisting that the unity and success of the PDP must come above every other consideration.
He also cautioned against internal sabotage, urging those he described as “political undertakers” to have a change of heart.
“The PDP is a home for loyal and committed democrats. There is no longer room for moles, impostors, or double agents who pretend to belong while working against the interest of the party,” he declared.
Emeka-Yellow further noted that the Ibadan National Convention of the PDP marked a turning point in resolving the party’s leadership disputes.
According to him, the emergence of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) had conclusively settled issues of legitimacy and restored order and discipline within the party.
“We are under no illusion about the enormity of the task before us. The responsibility to heal old wounds, rebuild trust, and reunite our party rests squarely on our shoulders. We accept this challenge fully, knowing that we have no excuse for failure,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the national leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee, Emeka-Yellow pledged unwavering loyalty to the NWC.
He also commended the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) for their resilience and commitment to stabilising the party.
He specifically acknowledged the support of the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and other PDP governors.
“We pledge our unflinching loyalty to the national leadership of our great party and assure them of our resolve to discharge this responsibility with integrity, transparency, and unwavering commitment,” he said.
The caretaker committee chairman solicited the support, cooperation, and prayers of party faithful and stakeholders, stressing that only collective effort would guarantee the PDP’s resurgence in Abia State and beyond.
Swearing in members of the caretaker committee, the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Odefa, charged them to work assiduously to rebuild and reposition the party in Abia State for future electoral victories.
Odefa cautioned the committee to be vigilant against what he described as “pretenders and moles of the ruling party” allegedly working to destabilise opposition parties across the country.
He decried what he termed a dangerous trend in which the ruling party allegedly instigates crises within opposition parties in order to perpetuate itself in power, “despite the cries of Nigerians.”
According to him, opposition parties would resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“As democrats, we will not accept that and we will not allow it. We have been in this course with them for a very long time now,” he said.
Odefa also expressed optimism over the outcome of the various litigations involving the PDP, which were recently consolidated by the Court of Appeal and are awaiting judgment.
“The Court of Appeal consolidated all nine cases decided by the lower courts. Hearing has been concluded and judgment is awaited. We are hopeful that the judiciary, being the hope of the common man, will live up to its expectations and ensure that justice is served,” he stated.
He noted that there were several judicial authorities, including pronouncements at the Supreme Court level, affirming the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs and leadership issues.
“So, we remain hopeful and confident in the judicial system. We know that many judges are still men and women of proven integrity, and we expect that when judgment is delivered, these qualities will be evident,” he added.
The PDP chieftain encouraged members of the caretaker committee to be courageous and firm in the discharge of their duties, assuring them of the full backing of the party’s national leadership.
“The task you have taken on today may not be easy, but you were selected based on your experience and capacity. We believe strongly that you will take the party to the next level in your state,” Odefa said.
Describing the caretaker committee chairman as “experienced, dogged and fearless,” he expressed confidence that the team would succeed, urging all party stakeholders to accord them maximum cooperation.
“It may not be easy in terms of funding and other challenges, but I assure you today that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Odefa concluded.
Party faithful and friends of the caretaker committee members attended the glamorous event.
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