The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emmanuel Ogidi, has insisted that the party will go ahead with preparations for its forthcoming national convention despite a recent court ruling halting the exercise.
Ogidi, who spoke during an interview on Arise News on Friday, also aimed at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him and his associates as “not real PDP members.”
Naijaonpoint reports that he dismissed the Abuja Federal High Court judgment that restrained the party from holding its November 15–16 convention, describing it as laughable and politically motivated.
He said, “We are doing everything within our guidelines. It’s unfortunate that some of our members are economical with the facts. What happened in court today was like a comedy.
“But we have made up our minds, we have appealed, and we will continue with our processes because we believe we are doing the right thing.”
The PDP chieftain criticised Wike and other dissenting members for what he termed arrogance and sabotage of the party’s unity.
“They are the ones that are arrogant. They are the ones who have been boasting. They are not PDP members as far as I am concerned,” Ogidi declared.
He further alleged that Wike had abandoned his responsibilities as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“The minister who is talking now is a member of NEC, has he ever attended any of our three NEC meetings? They don’t know what’s going on, yet they criticise the leadership,” he said.
Ogidi drew parallels between the current situation and the 2016–2017 leadership crisis that saw the party battling a faction led by Ali Modu Sheriff.
“In 2016 and 2017, when we had an imposter called Sheriff, we went through a similar experience. We went to the convention, and right there, he disappeared. His deputy, Secondus, had to convene the meeting. We went from the Federal High Court to the Supreme Court, I was in all those processes. This one too will pass,” he recounted.
Dismisses Claims Of Invalid Congresses
Reacting to allegations that the party failed to conduct valid congresses in 12 states before planning its convention, Ogidi said the claims were exaggerated.
He stated, “It’s not true. Some of the so-called 12 states are just cases where one or two wards had issues. The party will never sideline any state or person.
“Look at Delta, for instance, when the governor left, the whole structure collapsed, and we’re rebuilding it. There has never been a convention where all 36 states were fully represented.”
When asked whether it was legal or wise to continue preparations despite the court’s restraining order, Ogidi maintained that the PDP was acting within its constitutional rights.
“We are fully within our processes. We are going to appeal and ask for a stay of execution. Until the appeal is heard, the process must continue. If we cannot meet it, then we’ll know what to do on the 15th and 16th, but for now, preparations will go on,” he insisted.
He also reaffirmed confidence that the convention would hold as scheduled.
“Why should I doubt it? It’s going to hold. We are going to ask for self-execution — it’s our right. What makes you think it won’t be granted?” he asked.
PDP Defends Its Notice To INEC
Addressing claims that the party failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ogidi maintained that the requirement had been fulfilled.
“It’s very interesting that we had already submitted our letter to INEC, signed by the chairman and secretary. Before anyone says it wasn’t signed, have they even investigated it properly?” he queried.
Ogidi also used the opportunity to urge the new INEC leadership to restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Each time somebody wins an election, the court overturns it, denying the people their right to choose. The new INEC Chairman has a big responsibility, he must conduct credible elections and uphold fairness,” he said.
Despite the court setback, Ogidi expressed optimism that the PDP would weather the storm and emerge stronger.
“We have been through this before, and we will overcome it again. Our processes will continue, our appeal will succeed, and the PDP convention will hold,” he added.
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