Enugu PDP Still Strong, United — Acting Chairman Oruruo Assures Party Members

The Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barrister Steve Oruruo, has reaffirmed that the party remains strong, united, and resolute despite the recent defection of the state governor.

Speaking during a media engagement in Enugu, Oruruo said he is determined to reawaken the party’s structure and rekindle the spirit of its members and supporters.

“Our mission is to galvanize the spirit of our faithful and ensure that the PDP stays united and motivated,” he stated. “As an opposition party, we must create a sense of reawakening, a sense of rebirth, and a sense of renaissance. The departure of a few individuals does not signify the collapse of the PDP.”

He emphasized that the foundation of the PDP in Enugu State remains deeply rooted and cannot be weakened by political defections.

“The values and legacies of the PDP are so fundamentally entrenched that they cannot be shaken by the exit of some members,” Oruruo said. “This is not the first time a governor has left the party, yet the PDP has always remained firm.”

The Acting Chairman pledged that his leadership would be anchored on fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness.

“We are committed to fairness, equity, solidarity, and equality,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that the PDP does not lose its grip in terms of substance, value, or relevance within the political system.”

While acknowledging that the defection of a sitting governor may pose financial and structural challenges, Oruruo maintained that the will of the people remains stronger than any political setback.

“There may be some pains that come with losing a governor, but beyond that lies the will of the masses, which will always prevail over every political turbulence,” he stated.

He further emphasized the importance of the South-East in the national structure of the PDP.

“We have consistently advocated for inclusivity and good leadership,” he said. “The South-East must be fully represented in all national calculations of the PDP. If any zone feels excluded, the people will naturally lose faith in the party.”

Commenting on the governor’s defection, Oruruo described it as a constitutional right but urged party loyalists to see it as a wake-up call.

“Defection is permitted by the constitution,” he noted. “What the PDP must do is rebuild itself, deepen its roots among the people, and renew its commitment to credible leadership.”

He admitted that the party has internal challenges but said they are being addressed through established mechanisms.

“The fact that the PDP has internal problems cannot be denied,” he said. “But the PDP also has strong internal mechanisms for resolving its challenges. The road to our convention may be tortuous, but at the end of the tunnel, there will surely be light.”

Responding to questions on whether the party would move to unseat defected lawmakers, Oruruo dismissed such suggestions, describing defections as a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political system.

“We live in a country where defections happen freely and have not been curtailed by any law or judgment,” he explained. “It is not within my powers to stop anyone from defecting. My duty is to ensure that, even in the face of defections, the PDP remains solid, united, and focused.”

Oruruo reaffirmed that the PDP in Enugu remains committed to its founding principles and determined to rebuild stronger ahead of future elections.

“Our position is clear,” he concluded. “We are unwavering, unmitigated, and unalloyed in our commitment to ensure that the PDP remains firm and formidable in Enugu State and beyond.”