A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, Chief Tom Ikimi, has called on party faithful to unite and reaffirm their commitment to restoring the vision and values of the party.
Ikimi, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting of the PDP held yesterday in Edo.
He said, it had come imperative to restore the glory and vision that once made the PDP the largest political party in Africa
In his address, he reflected on the party’s rich legacy, current challenges, and the path forward.
According to him, PDP remains a political family, united by a shared pursuit of national development, even in the face of adversity.
“A true political party is not a market place for corrupt individuals or political speculators, but a people-driven platform built on a shared vision”, he stated.
“It is timely and necessary that we gather here today.
“The PDP initiated this Fourth Republic, and I’m pleased to see the first elected governor of Edo, His Excellency Lucky Igbinedion, and his deputy, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, are present.
“Their leadership continues to inspire hope in our party”.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political journey, Ikimi noted that the PDP governed the nation for an unprecedented 16 years, bringing stability and progress.
He lamented that many Nigerians now longed for those years of functional governance.
He also criticised internal sabotage within the party, saying, “Some who led the PDP from 2007 to 2019 did more to damage the party than to build it”.
On recent political developments, he said, “The defection of the Delta Governor and his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to the APC has sparked mixed reactions.
“Though it’s too early to fully measure the impact, the people of Delta made their voice clear in 2023 when Labour Party’s Peter Obi, without a single governor, won in the state”.
Ikimi urged genuine PDP members to remain steadfast and united, asserting that the nation now needed a strong and disciplined PDP more than ever.
“This meeting sends a clear message: the PDP is alive and strong in Edo.
“Those pretending to be with us while working against us should declare their true allegiance”, he said.
In his remarks, the PDP’s 2024 gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, expressed deep gratitude to supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s progress.
“Despite intimidation, heavy opposition spending, and significant challenges, we prevailed because of the people’s unwavering support”, he said.
“Some may ask why we continue this fight. But I say, if someone steals from you, should you let it go? No. We must keep fighting”.
He confirmed the party’s appeal is ongoing, saying, “We trust our legal team and believe that, whether at the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, justice will prevail.
“God is just, and we will overcome”, he said.
Also speaking, former Gov. Igbinedion urged party members not to despair, stressing that the PDP remained the most widespread and resilient political party in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, described the meeting as crucial for addressing pressing issues within the party.
He commended party leaders for their direction and commitment.
Also, Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, volunteered to establish a team to be known as PDP: United for Progress to reach out to party members not with condemnation, but with compassion
Prominent attendees included Ogiadomhe, former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan; Edo Deputy Speaker, Maria Edeko; Odion Ugbesia; Akere Ugbesia; Marcus Onobun; and other key party stakeholders.
