Emmanuel Ogidi, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Vice Chairman for the South-South region, has expressed strong confidence that governors and key members who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will return to the PDP fold.
During an appearance on Arise Television’s news programme, Ogidi emphasized the PDP’s resilience. He stated the party remains “organized and capable” of resolving internal challenges despite recent defections.
Ogidi dismissed rumors about potential disruptions to the PDP’s upcoming national convention. He directly addressed claims of dissenting groups: “There was a group planning to disrupt the convention when they met in Abuja. But PDP is an organized party. You can’t just emerge and declare yourself stakeholders.”
The party chieftain confirmed the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee maintain full control. Both bodies are overseeing preparations for November’s convention.
Ogidi accused the ruling APC of exploiting Nigeria’s economic challenges. He claimed they’ve “weaponized hunger” to pressure individuals into defecting. Despite this, he remains optimistic: “We know why they’re leaving, but we strongly believe they’ll return.”
He attributed recent defections to impatience among certain governors and senators regarding convention timing. “Some lack patience. The convention is weeks away. Why assume it won’t proceed? We’re in court, but that’s no reason for panic,” Ogidi remarked. He maintained that justice would prevail for those following due process.
Ogidi reassured PDP members about convention preparations. He expressed confidence the event would proceed as scheduled under proper procedures.
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