Emma Ogidi: PDP Remains in Delta State Despite Defections
South-South PDP Chairperson Predicts Return of Okowa and Oborevwori, Similar to Uduaghan's Case
In the wake of high-profile Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members jumping ship to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, the party's South-South Zonal Caretaker Chairman, Emma Ogidi, has expressed optimism about the PDP's future in the region.
Ogidi, who has been tasked with reorganizing the party in Delta State, maintains that the PDP remains a viable force in the state despite recent defections by key figures like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
PDP's Enduring Presence in Delta State
Despite the setbacks, Ogidi is confident that the PDP will continue to make its mark in Delta State. "PDP still exists in Delta State; yes, our number has been depleted, no doubt about that, but as for the existence of the party, yes, it exists in the state," he affirmed in an interview with Vanguard.
Ogidi shared that he received numerous calls from party members expressing their commitment to the PDP, highlighting a sense of loyalty and enthusiasm among the party faithful.
The PDP's Achievements in Delta State
The former commissioner and NDDC representative emphasized that the PDP deserves credit for the development achievements in Delta State. "You know why? In all these years, the development you see in Delta State is PDP-driven," he explained.
According to Ogidi, the development, wealth, and prosperity seen across the state are a testament to the party's success. He stressed that those who defected may have their reasons, but those who remained in the PDP have strong reasons for doing so.
Legal Action Against Defectors
Beyond Ogidi's efforts to rebuild the PDP in Delta State, the party is also pursuing legal action against those who defected, aiming to reclaim what it considers a "stolen mandate."
Looking Ahead
While the PDP grapples with the implications of the recent defections, the party has scheduled major national events, such as the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 28, 2025, and a National Convention from August 28 to 30, 2025. These moves are part of the PDP's broader strategy to strengthen its presence nationwide.
The APC, on the other hand, sees the defections as a significant political shift, branding it as a "movement" that reflects a changing political landscape. The seismic shift in Delta State's political landscape has prompted both parties to engage in strategic maneuvering ahead of future elections.
As both parties prepare for future battles, the region is likely to see intense political competition. The shifting allegiances highlight the fluid nature of Nigerian party politics and the pragmatic nature of political affiliations in the country.
- Despite the exodus of key PDP members to the APC in Delta State, Emma Ogidi, the party's South-South Zonal Caretaker Chairman, remains hopeful about PDP's continued presence.
- Ogidi explained that the PDP still exists in Delta State despite the dwindling number of members, asserting that they form a resilient group.
- The optimistic Ogidi has mentioned receiving numerous calls from faithful party members, demonstrating their unwavering support for the PDP.
- Ogidi highlighted the achievements of the PDP in Delta State, attributing much of the state's development to the party's efforts.
- The former commissioner stressed that the development, wealth, and prosperity observed in the state are evidence of the PDP's successful run.
- The PDP is not only attempting to rebuild itself internally but is also planning legal action against defectors, aiming to reclaim what it perceives as a "stolen mandate" in Delta State.
- The PDP has scheduled crucial national events, like the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and a National Convention, as part of its tactic to enhance the party's presence nationwide.
- The recent defections to the APC in Delta State have sparked strategic maneuvering within both parties as they brace themselves for future elections, further deepening the ongoing political competition in Nigeria, a country noted for its fluid party politics and pragmatic political affiliations.
