Imo PDP crisis deepens as faction elects new exco

The crisis in Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has deepened as a faction of the party has inaugurated its executive members.

This was barely five days after the three factions of the party held parallel congresses in Owerri, capital of the state.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the leader of the faction called “Group of True Democrats”, Dr. Alex Obi, frowned on what happened in the 2011 and 2015 governorship elections in the state, attributing the loss of those elections to disunity in the party and imposition by leaders, among other ills.

Obi, a former State Chairman of the party who also called the group Integrity Group, preached that the party should come together with a view to excelling in the 2019 general elections.

He also canvassed for a fair play ground for all aspiring members of the party in the next general elections where the imposition of persons against the people’s consensus would not have a place.

He said, “What marred the PDP in the state was the imposition of candidates, which was why the party failed. The reason for the parallel congresses was for the leaders to hijack all positions and impose candidates for them to achieve their ulterior ambition, which in the end mars the party.

“I am not interested in those bad antecedents that have messed the party up, but a PDP that has national respect and acceptance. What our concern should be is to have a PDP that the grass root believes in. If we have such a PDP, the National Working Committee of the party will come looking for us here in the state.”

He, however, maintained that the group was not Alex Obi’s group or faction but a party made up of foundation members in the state and constituted men and women of integrity, good antecedents and proven track records.

In addition, the former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Okey Dike, assured the party faithful that the group was the main and recognised PDP at the national level.

He said, “We shall deliver what belongs to the people to the people.”

Inaugurated were Greg Onwuamanam (chairman), Ignatius Egbuchulam (vice chairman), Vincent Oshieze Ehirim (secretary), Igwe Ugwu (Orlu zonal chairman), Amaechi Chibuike (Okigwe zonal chairman) and Chris Njoku (Owerri zonal chairman).

The others officers include Ambrose Onwumere (financial secretary), Melody Mbamara (treasurer), Rufus Osueke (organising secretary), David Okonkwo (legal adviser) Ekwerole Ikechukwu (publicity secretary), Mrs. Imelda Okechukwu (women leader) and Uche Igwe (youth leader).

Speaking after the inauguration, Greg Owuamanam said that he would, among other things, promote the spirit of integrity in the party, encourage quality leadership and good governance, reconcile aggrieved members and promote patriotism and obedience to the party principles.