Honourable Steve Oruruo has officially taken over as the new acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, pledging to rebuild, reposition, and revitalise the party following the recent defections of Governor Peter Mbah and several senior members.
Speaking during a briefing at the party’s secretariat in Enugu, Oruruo assured members and supporters that the PDP remains united and resilient despite the ongoing political turbulence.
“The intent of this gathering is to assure the people of Enugu, nay Nigeria, that PDP is still very much alive in Enugu State,” he declared. “We’re willing at the moment to rebuild the party in the face of the current defections of Governor Peter Mbah and other elected officials of the Enugu State Government.”
Oruruo stated that his leadership would focus on mobilising loyal members to remain steadfast and devoted to the party’s core values, noting that the PDP had encountered similar trials in other states but had always endured.
He pledged to oversee transparent conventions and primaries that would produce credible candidates capable of gaining public confidence and support, stressing that the PDP is now entering a phase of revival and renewal.
“We’re creating a sense of reawakening. Even in the face of persons leaving the party, it does not amount to the capitulation of the PDP,” he said. “If credible candidates emerge from our ranks, the public will rally behind them.”
While admitting that the governor’s exit might have some financial consequences, Oruruo maintained that the collective will of the people would continue to shape the party’s strength and direction.
He assured that under his leadership, the PDP in Enugu would uphold fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all members, insisting that the party would remain independent and people-centred.
“We want to stand and create a party that will win elections. We’re building a PDP that is highly independent. We can’t win elections if we’re not independent,” Oruruo stated.
Addressing the relationship between the state and national leadership of the PDP, Oruruo called for greater inclusion of the Southeast in the party’s national structure and decision-making process.
“The Southeast must be encapsulated fully in everything that the PDP is doing at the national level,” he said. “Going forward, the Southeast must be included in all political calculations and permutations so that our people can remain resolute behind the party.”
Oruruo, who previously served as Commissioner for Information, pledged to lead with openness, honesty, and fairness, stating that his mission is to strengthen and unify the PDP in preparation for future electoral victories.
He concluded by reiterating that the PDP in Enugu is “in pole position to accommodate the yearnings of our people,” as the party begins a renewed effort to reclaim its political dominance in the state.
