The crisis-rocked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State may be heading into a decisive phase as the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), officially inaugurated a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party in the state.
The inauguration ceremony, which drew party stakeholders and members of the Southeast Executive Council, was marked by strong declarations of unity, judicial optimism, and a renewed vow to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of PDP, Southeast, Chief Ali Odefa, charged the newly inaugurated committee to “keep the flag flying” and resist what he described as internal and external forces allegedly working to destabilize the party.
Odefa alleged that for over a year, the party had faced “anti-democratic forces” determined to weaken its structures. According to him, ongoing legal disputes over the party’s leadership have now been consolidated at the Court of Appeal, with judgment reserved.
“We still have confidence in the judiciary as the hope of the common man. We believe justice will prevail,” he said, expressing optimism that previous judicial precedents on internal party affairs would guide the final ruling.
He described the newly appointed chairman of the Abia Caretaker Committee, Mr. Ikpegbu Emeka-Yello, as experienced, fearless, and capable of navigating what he admitted would not be an easy assignment.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow described the appointment as “a call to service, sacrifice and selfless leadership” at what he termed a defining moment in the party’s history.
He acknowledged that the PDP in Abia had suffered serious leadership crises in recent years, weakening its structures and morale. However, he maintained that the November 2025 National Convention in Ibadan marked a turning point for the party nationally, leading to the emergence of a new NWC under Dr. Turaki.
“With the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, the issue of legitimate leadership has been conclusively settled. The PDP is back on the path of order, discipline and purposeful leadership,” he declared.
The new chairman emphasized reconciliation as the central mission of the caretaker committee, calling on aggrieved members to “sheath their swords” and return to the fold.
“This is a time for reconciliation, not recrimination. A time for forgiveness, not finger-pointing. We must rebuild and not dwell in the past,” he said.
Ikpegbu further warned against what he described as “political undertakers” and individuals allegedly working against the party from within, stating that there would be no room for “moles, impostors or double agents.”
He expressed appreciation to key party leaders, including members of the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the Board of Trustees, for their efforts in stabilizing the party during turbulent times.
The event signaled a renewed attempt by the PDP to consolidate its structure in Abia State amid ongoing political realignments and ahead of the 2027 elections. Observers say the success of the caretaker committee may determine whether the party regains its footing in a state where its influence has waned in recent electoral cycles.
With legal proceedings pending and internal reconciliation efforts underway, the Abia PDP now faces a critical test of unity, discipline, and strategic reorganization.
