PDP Chairman Confident Party Will Overcome Current Crisis
Steve Oruruo, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, has firmly stated that the party will survive its ongoing internal crisis. He dismissed widespread fears about the possible deregistration of the party by electoral authorities, urging members to intensify efforts to boost enrolment and ensure compliance with electoral requirements.
E-Registration Drive as Critical Step for Future Elections
Speaking to journalists in Enugu during a training session for ward and local council agents tasked with driving the e-registration initiative at the grassroots, Oruruo emphasized that this exercise marks a pivotal step in strengthening the party's structure ahead of upcoming elections. He expressed hope for reconciliation within the party but maintained that legal options remain open if necessary.
"We want compromise, consensus, peace, and dialogue. But whether we reach a settlement or not, we will continue to the Supreme Court. We cannot allow our party to be destroyed," Oruruo declared. Addressing concerns about resolving the crisis before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the party's resilience.
"PDP will survive, but it must get its act together quickly to qualify to field candidates in the elections. That is why we are doing everything possible to mobilise more members," he added. Despite internal challenges, Oruruo asserted that the PDP in Enugu State remains firmly under control and focused on strengthening its base through the ongoing e-registration exercise.
Emphasis on Actual Membership Growth and Rural Inclusion
Oruruo stressed that the success of the e-registration drive must translate into tangible membership figures. "That must translate into actual membership. It's not just about talk; you know, talk is cheap. The reality is that our people, in their numbers, must be properly captured," he emphasized. He noted that the process requires deliberate sensitisation, particularly in rural communities where residents may not be media-savvy.
"Because of the rigorous processes and stringent registration procedures, we need to educate people so that those in rural areas can be included. They are not very media-savvy," Oruruo explained. He urged party officials at all levels to act swiftly in driving the registration process, calling for leadership to create frameworks that reach ordinary people easily.
While acknowledging progress in the registration efforts, Oruruo called for increased momentum. "We have been engaged in the registration process for a while, and we are not doing badly. But I want more speed. I want us to capture more people. By the end of next week, we should be able to assess how far we have gone," he stated.
Dismissal of Parallel Congresses and Reaffirmation of Leadership
On reports of parallel PDP congresses in Enugu State, Oruruo described such claims as illegitimate and lacking legal backing. "People can gather for jamborees; it is their right. But if you are talking about PDP, it is the most nonsensical thing I have ever seen in my life. You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand," he asserted.
He referenced a Court of Appeal judgment that suspended key figures on the opposing side, including Sam Anyanwu, questioning the basis for their state-level committees. "If they were suspended, and that suspension was upheld by the Court of Appeal, on what basis did they set up committees at the state level? They acted in chaos and without regard for the law. It is a complete waste of time," Oruruo added.
Reaffirming his leadership position, Oruruo cited a court ruling that backs his role as state chairman. "We went to court and obtained a judgment declaring me as chairman, and stating that no national authority can remove me except through a properly conducted congress. At the state level, I remain fully in charge, based on the court's pronouncement. Until that ruling is vacated, nobody else can claim to be chairman here. Anyone making such a claim is simply joking," he concluded.
