The Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barrister Steve Oruruo, has declared 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’s poised to reawakening the state of the party and the spirit of its members and supporters.
“Our mission is to galvanise the spirit of our faithful and ensure that the PDP stays united and motivated,” he stated. “The party, as an opposition, needs to create a sense of reawakening, a sense of rebirth, and a sense of renaissance. The departure of a few individuals does not amount to the collapse of the PDP.”
He stressed that the PDP’s foundation is deeply rooted and cannot be weakened by political defections. “The values and legacies of the party are so fundamentally entrenched that they cannot be shaken by the exit of some members,” he said. “This is not the first time a governor has left the party, yet the PDP has always remained firm.”
Oruruo assured that under his leadership, the party would remain fair, transparent, and inclusive. “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.”
He acknowledged that the defection of a sitting governor could come with financial and structural challenges but maintained that the will of the people would prevail. “There may be some pains that come with losing a governor, but beyond that lies the will of the masses, which will always surpass every political turbulence,” Oruruo said.
The Acting Chairman also emphasized that the South-East must continue to play a central role in the national structure of the PDP. “We have consistently advocated for inclusivity and good leadership,” he noted. “The South-East must be fully represented in all calculations of the PDP at the national level. If any zone is excluded, the people will naturally lose faith in the party.”
On the defection of the governor, Oruruo described it as a constitutional right but insisted it should serve as a wake-up call for party loyalists. “Defection is permitted by the constitution,” he said. “What the PDP must do is rebuild itself, deepen its roots among the people, and renew its commitment to credible leadership.”
He acknowledged that the party has internal issues but said they are being addressed through established mechanisms. “The fact that PDP has internal problems cannot be denied,” he admitted. “But PDP also has strong internal mechanisms for resolving its challenges. The road to the convention may be tortuous, but at the end of the tunnel, there will surely be light.”
Responding to questions on whether the party would seek to remove defected lawmakers from their seats, Oruruo dismissed the idea, describing defections as a common feature of Nigeria’s political system.
“We live in a country where defections happen freely and have not been stopped 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 Enugu PDP 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.”
