Party's Existence Remains Unscathed Even if Atiku Departs - Ogidi's Assertion
According to our source, Ogidi, the current PDP South South Caretaker Chairman, spoke candidly about the party's prospective future in an interview with Vanguard. He expressed concern about key figures leaving the party, but remains optimistic about the PDP's endurance.
Ogidi highlighted Atiku Abubakar, the party's former presidential candidate, as one such figure. He explained that the party had mentored Atiku and other stakeholders, and that Atiku had been a beneficiary of the PDP. Despite the potential of Atiku or other notable figures departing, Ogidi stated his belief that the PDP would not meet its demise.
He compared the party to a community of people, stating that individuals may come and go, but the party would continue to exist. Ogidi emphasized that it was "worrisome" to see beneficiaries leave the party, but shared his faith in the PDP's ability to persevere.
Speaking on coalitions, Ogidi revealed that the PDP was currently working on fortifying their own foundation before engaging in external negotiations. He underlined that the party had cracks that needed to be addressed, and that they aimed to renovate their house before making any decisions regarding coalitions.
Ogidi explained that the party's position on coalitions would be clarified after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which is scheduled for the near future. Until then, individual members may pursue their own paths, but the party has not made any collective decisions about affiliations.
Further Insights
Though the article does not specifically delve into coalition plans or Atiku Abubakar's future within the PDP, it does provide some context regarding Ogidi's current focus and the PDP's strategy in Delta and the South-South:
- Immediate Priorities: Ogidi's immediate tasks revolve around stabilizing the PDP in Delta after notable defectors like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa left for the APC[1][5]. He is conducting a membership audit to identify loyal members and rebuild party structures[1][4].
- Rebuilding Strategy: Ogidi aims to reposition the PDP for future elections, stating the party will "bounce back" and recruit credible figures for leadership roles[2][5]. He hopes to finalize a caretaker committee within one month[2].
- Tone Toward Defectors: While expressing disappointment, Ogidi maintains a conciliatory approach, stating he bears "no ill will" toward defectors but stresses the PDP's role in their past political success[2][4].
- Coalition Clues: Though coalition plans are not directly addressed, Ogidi's focus on rebuilding grassroots support and his assertion that "the party is a brand" suggest an emphasis on internal consolidation rather than immediate alliances[1][2].
Further context from party leadership outside the South-South zone would be required to gather specific information about national coalition negotiations and Atiku Abubakar's potential departure.
[1] Punchng: "South-South PDP Chairman: Okowa, Oborevwori Will Return," [2] Vanguard: "Udom Emmanuel's Defection: PDP Under Fire," [3] SUNNG: "PDP Caretaker Chair Warns Against Harassing Defectors," [4] Daily Post: "PDP Crisis: Sheriff Mistakes Membership Of Edo, Delta, Others For PDP," [5] Premium Times: "APC Already in Crisis as Defection Saga Continues in Delta,"
- Ogidi, the PDP South South Caretaker Chairman, voiced concerns over key figures like Atiku Abubakar leaving the party, but remains hopeful about its endurance beyond 2027.
- He believes the PDP, like a community, will continue to exist despite individuals like Atiku departing, as it has been a mentor and beneficiary to him and other stakeholders.
- The PDP is currently focusing on fortifying their own foundation before considering coalition negotiations, as they address cracks within their party.
- Ogidi revealed that the PDP's stance on coalitions will be clarified after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, scheduled for the near future.
- Until then, individual PDP members may pursue their own paths, but the party has not made any collective decisions about affiliations.
- Though not specifically mentioned, Ogidi's immediate tasks involve stabilizing the PDP in Delta and rebuilding party structures after notable defectors such as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa left for the APC.
