Enugu, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Steve Oruruo, has rejected reports of parallel congresses in the state, describing them as baseless and lacking legal foundation.
His reaction follows claims that a faction linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, conducted a separate congress. Oruruo insisted that such an exercise should be disregarded, maintaining that any structure formed outside the party’s recognised processes remains invalid.
Speaking on Wednesday during the rollout of the party’s electronic membership registration system, Oruruo said the PDP in Enugu is focused on strengthening its internal structure through credible and verifiable membership data.
“This is not just about political activity, it is about building a credible and verifiable membership base. The strength of our party must be reflected in actual numbers, not assumptions,” he said.
The e-registration initiative, he explained, marks a shift from traditional mobilisation methods to a more structured approach aimed at measurable growth. The process involves more than 260 ward representatives, alongside local government coordinators and other party officials tasked with driving registration across communities in the state.
Oruruo stressed the importance of grassroots engagement, particularly in rural areas where digital literacy may pose challenges. He called for sustained sensitisation efforts and direct support to ensure that all willing members are captured in the new system.
“What is required is not just coordination, but commitment. We must create accessible pathways for every willing member of our communities to be captured in this process,” he added.
Addressing internal party tensions, Oruruo reiterated that reports of parallel congresses have no legal backing, citing a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment which, according to him, affirmed the suspension of certain party actors and invalidated any alternative arrangements.
“You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand. What is being paraded as alternative structures has no legal backing and cannot endure,” he said.
He also dismissed concerns about possible deregistration of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating that the PDP remains compliant with constitutional and regulatory requirements.
While acknowledging internal disagreements, Oruruo described them as manageable and reaffirmed his commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and due process, noting that legal options remain open where necessary. He added that his leadership as state chairman is backed by a valid court judgment, stressing that any change in leadership must follow due process through a properly conducted congress.
