The Peoples Democratic Party Southeast stakeholders have unanimously nominated Hon Chidibere Goodluck from Ebonyi State as a replacement to Chief Ali Odefa who was sacked by court.
It can be recalled that Chief Odefa was suspended by the PDP leadership in his ward and subsequently expelled. His suspension and expulsion were challenged in court and all his efforts to upturn the party disciplinary action proved abortive as court upheld his expulsion.
Information garnered revealed that up till date, neither Chief Odefa nor the party in Ebonyi State had challenged the action or obtained any stay after the judgement.
Rt Hon Onwe S. Onwe moved the motion for the nomination of Hon Chidibere Goodluck as a replacemen to Chief Odefa in his former capacity as National Vice Chairman, Southeast and seconded by Rt Hon Mrs. Okpo Franca Chinyere, all from Ebonyi State.
This resolution was taken during a stakeholders meeting with members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) held at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Similarly, the Southeast stakeholders have passed an implicit vote of confidence in the National Secretary of PDP, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu over his commitment towards the growth of the party.
The confidence vote was formalized through a motion moved by Hon Barr Bathlomew Igboke from Ebonyi State and seconded by Comrade Franklin Edede. Space was given for a counter of the motion but all in unison adopted the motion of confidence.
Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, zonal Legal Adviser, Barr Ukpai Ukairo expressed confidence on the dedication and commitment of Senator Anyanwu in piloting the affairs of party, and vowed to support him till he serves out his tenure in December, 2025.
According to him, members of the party in the zone were satisfied by the invaluable roles being played by their son and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, adding that the vote was to spur him to do more for the party.
“Southeast PDP members are proud of the leadership of NWC especially, our son, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. His contributions since he was elected at the last convention has surpassed what others before him achieved put together. Apart from normal internal misunderstanding, Senator Anyanwu has galvanized the party in the zone by positioning the Southeast on the part of success.”
Reading the communique, “Barr Ukairo revealed that the stakeholders after reviewing the purpoted zonal meeting at the Enugu State Government House illegally convened by the expelled Ali Odefa, it was noted that it did not follow constitutional due process and as such is null and void”
The Legal Adviser further maintained, “the zonal stakeholders after resolving amongst themselves in view of the forthcoming zonal congresses harmonized party positions among the five states in the zone, etc”
Stakeholders of the party in attendance were from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states including national officers of the party who are from the zone.
It can be recalled that an Appeal Court sitting in Enugu, in December 20 delivered a controversial ruling that Senator Samuel Anyanwu should vacate his office as National Secretary, but a stay of execution order was thereafter obtained allowing Senator Anyanwu to continue to preside as the authentic National Chief Scribe of the party.
Meanwhile, Senator Anyanwu proceeded to the Supreme Court shortly after the Appeal Court judgement to reverse the verdict. As legal fireworks continue, Senator Anyanwu was few days ago obtained a Federal High Court judgement restraining PDP, its leaders, groups and privies from removing him as National Secretary of PDP.
Prominent leaders in attendance include; National Secretary of PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Barr Okechukwu Osuoha, Chief Maxwell, Rt Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Rt Hon Emeka Maduagwu, Hon Greg Egu, Hon John Kay, Rt Hon Jones Onyereri , State party Chairmen of Abia, Hon Amah, Imo, Rt Hon Austin Nwachukwu, zonal working committee members, Hon Emeka Okeke, newly nominated National Vice Chairman, Hon Chidebere Goodluck, and Hon Francis Kanu.
Others include, Southeast zonal Woman Leader, Mrs. Ify Nwaru, Chief Linus Ukachukwu, Barr PG Madu, Senator Igwe Madu, Hon Obinna Chidoka, High Chief Kingsley Okafor, Chima Onwuzuruike, Chief Chris Ubah (Eselu), Hon Mike Ihenaetu and Senator Igwe Paulinus, amongst others.
Apologies: HE Jim Nwobodo, Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Moa Ohuabunwa, etc.
