John Okiyi Kalu, former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, has dismissed claims of a faction within the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This follows speculation sparked by the absence of several prominent party members during the recent state PDP congress.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the former commissioner explained that some prominent PDP members—such as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara; the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Okey Ahiwe; and the immediate past deputy governor, Ude Oko Chukwu—were unable to attend due to other pressing commitments.
He noted, however, that they were involved in the consensus-building process that helped ensure a peaceful congress in Abia State.
Kalu stated, “There is no faction within the Abia PDP. The absence of some party leaders at the state congress is not significant; we remain united. The PDP BOT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, couldn’t attend due to health reasons, but I’m certain he would have been here otherwise. The immediate past deputy governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, has actively participated in the consensus-building efforts leading up to this event. Others, like our 2023 governorship candidate, Chief Okey Ahiwe, and Hon. Uko Nkole, are out of state on urgent matters. So, there is no faction within Abia PDP.”
He also mentioned that PDP elders had instructed the new executive to pursue robust reconciliation efforts to welcome back members who had left the party.
“Our future in Abia PDP starts here,” Kalu added.
“The elders have given the new executive a mandate for aggressive reconciliation. We will reach out to everyone.
“Our members have valid reasons for their grievances. However, there’s an urgent threat facing all Abians, and we must unite to rescue the state. If we fail to do so, our people will suffer greatly”, He highlighted.
The Abia State chapter of the PDP elected Amah Abraham as its new chairman on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
In the congress, chaired by Bayelsa State’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Abraham—formerly the vice chairman of Abia North and the acting publicity secretary of the party—secured 1,264 votes, defeating his closest rival, Olugu Kalu, who received 395 votes.
Other candidates in the race included James Okpara, Lovin Okoro, Kingsley Imaga, and Ukwu Rocks Emma.
After announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Ewhrudjakpo, praised the delegates’ commitment to peace, which he said made the event run smoothly and without incident.
