The South East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chosen new zonal executives to oversee the party’s affairs in the region, with Chief Ali Odefa re-elected as the Zonal Chairman.
The election occurred during the party’s zonal congress held at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu on Wednesday. Alongside Odefa, Hon. James Ugwu was elected as Zonal Secretary, Mrs. Regina Uchebo as Zonal Treasurer, and Hon. Cornelius Okey Ugwu as Zonal Organising Secretary. Other elected officials include Madubuike Okoro (Financial Secretary), Engr. Chigozie Igwe (Publicity Secretary), Barr. Dominic Nwankwo (Legal Adviser), and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Arodiogbo (Woman Leader). Godswill Nwanoruo and Ezeanya Augustine were also chosen as Zonal Youth Leader and Auditor, respectively.
The election also included six Zonal Ex-officio members. In his address, the Governor of Enugu State and leader of the PDP in the South East, Dr. Peter Mbah, reminded party members that “election is never an end in itself and the victory that results should not be seen as a personal achievement.”
Mbah urged party members to position the PDP as a model for effective governance, emphasizing that “democracy allows for no excuses, no matter how justifiable they may seem.”
He noted the necessity of understanding the populace’s demands in a democratic framework, stating, “The essence is good governance.”
This ideal is one to which the PDP has been dedicated since its inception. Mbah stressed that in Enugu State, the well-being of the people is the focal point of government policies, and improving their welfare is a serious commitment.
“Democracy transcends mere struggles for office and power; it fundamentally concerns the people. This cannot be overstated,” he concluded. Additionally, Mbah called for unity among party members to revitalize the PDP and restore its former prominence in the South East region, stating, “The party’s significance stems from its ability to adapt and maintain its national relevance in challenging times.
The South East has historically been a stronghold for the PDP, and we must ensure that it continues to be so.”
In his acceptance speech, Chief Odefa, representing the new 21-member Zonal Executive, appealed for unity, asserting it as the sole pathway to PDP’s triumph over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he criticized for its detrimental policies and governance failures causing hardship in the community.
Attendees of the event included the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu; Senator Augustine Akobundu; and Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, among others.
