The newly inaugurated caretaker committee chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Ikpegbu Emeka‑Yellow, has declared that no force can uproot the party from the state, pledging to rebuild and reposition it as a dominant political force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emeka-Yellow made the declaration in his acceptance speech after the nine-member caretaker committee was sworn in on Tuesday in Enugu by the PDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Ali Odefa.
Other members of the caretaker committee are Chief Ochiobi Fidel Chukwuemeka, Engr. Gladys Okoro, Chidindu Kalu, Samuel Chukwudi, Kelvin Sampson, Lady Ugo Kalu and Obinna Nwaogwugwu, with Felix Nwagbara serving as Secretary.
Acknowledging the enormity of the assignment, Emeka-Yellow said the committee was fully aware of the expectations and would deliver without excuses, identifying reconciliation and party unity as core priorities.
“This is not merely an appointment; it is a call to service, sacrifice and selfless leadership,” he said. “There is no gainsaying the fact that the PDP, particularly in Abia State, has in recent years been beset by serious leadership challenges. These weakened our structures, dampened members’ morale and momentarily diminished our once formidable presence.”
He stressed that reconciliation would be central to the committee’s mandate, urging aggrieved members to return and work collectively to reposition the party for victory in 2027.
“This is a time for reconciliation, not recrimination; a time for forgiveness, not finger-pointing; and a time to rebuild, not to dwell on the past,” he said.
The former Commissioner at the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) warned against personal and sectional interests, insisting that the unity and success of the PDP must supersede all other considerations. He also cautioned against internal sabotage, urging those he described as “political undertakers” to have a change of heart.
“The PDP is a home for loyal and committed democrats. There is no longer room for moles, impostors or double agents who pretend to belong while working against the interest of the party,” he declared.
Emeka-Yellow noted that the party’s Ibadan National Convention marked a turning point in resolving lingering leadership disputes, adding that the emergence of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) had restored order and discipline.
“We are under no illusion about the enormity of the task before us. The responsibility to heal old wounds, rebuild trust and reunite our party rests squarely on our shoulders. We accept this challenge fully, knowing that we have no excuse for failure,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the national leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee and pledged unwavering loyalty to the NWC. He also commended the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) for their resilience, acknowledging the support of the Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, and other PDP governors.
“We pledge our unflinching loyalty to the national leadership of our great party and assure them of our resolve to discharge this responsibility with integrity, transparency and unwavering commitment,” he said.
Swearing in the committee, Odefa charged members to work assiduously to rebuild and reposition the party in Abia State for future electoral victories. He cautioned them to be vigilant against “pretenders and moles of the ruling party” allegedly working to destabilise opposition parties.
Odefa decried what he described as a dangerous trend of instigating crises within opposition parties to perpetuate one-party dominance, insisting that democrats would resist such moves.
“As democrats, we will not accept that and we will not allow it,” he said.
He expressed optimism over the outcome of the various litigations involving the PDP, recently consolidated at the Court of Appeal and awaiting judgment, noting that judicial pronouncements — including at the Supreme Court level — affirm the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
Encouraging the caretaker committee to be courageous and firm, Odefa assured them of the full backing of the national leadership, describing Emeka-Yellow as “experienced, dogged and fearless,” and expressing confidence that the team would take the party to the next level in Abia State.
Party faithful and friends of the committee members attended the colourful ceremony.
