A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Ogidi, has expressed confidence that party members who recently dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) will eventually return.
Ogidi, who serves as the PDP National Vice Chairman for the South-South region, made the statement during an interview on ARISE TV News Night on Wednesday.
According to him, the defections were largely driven by impatience and fear over the party’s ongoing legal battle. “The PDP is a very big party. A very? We’re big,” he said confidently.
He dismissed fears that the court case involving the PDP would end unfavorably, stressing that the party had followed due process at every stage.
“The PDP is in court, and some members have lost hope that the court will rule against the party. We followed due process, and we are not worried,” he said.
Ogidi further explained that internal traps and distractions were part of the challenges facing the PDP, but assured that the leadership remained focused.
“We all know why they are going. But we have strongly to come back. You see, we know there’s been some booby trap laid towards not having the Convention,” he stated.
He added that some politicians lacked patience and faith in the system. “Some of these governors or senators don’t have the patience. That’s the truth. They are not sure,” he said.
The PDP elder stateman also clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was present during the party’s crucial meetings, confirming that all procedures were carried out transparently.
“INEC heard us loud and clear,” Ogidi said. “They were present during our NEC meeting. They gave us their register to sign. Every decision taken was properly documented, and INEC was a witness to all our processes. So, we have nothing to hide.”
He maintained that the PDP was on solid ground ahead of its next National Executive Committee (NEC) convention, scheduled for November, and urged members to remain calm and united.
It could be recalled that recently, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State officially defected to the APC, while Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri resigned his membership from the PDP, with strong indications that he may soon join the ruling party.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
