The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governors; former Senate President and the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; its Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and other stakeholders of the party have vowed to regain power as the national ruling party in 2027.

PDP had held power at the centre since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 until 2015, when the party was dislodged by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP governors and stakeholders made the declaration Saturday in Umuahia, Abia State, during the grand civic reception and 76th birthday ceremony of its BoT Chairman, Senator Wabara.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, the chairman of the occasion and the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, said he was very optimistic that the PDP would return to power at the centre in 2027.

He described Senator Wabara as a true democrat who had sacrificed so much to build Nigeria, adding that his emergence as the BoT Chairman of the PDP would help reposition the party for greatness.

Makinde said that Wabara had already restored hope in the BoT as a true conscience of the party, adding that PDP’s brighter days were ahead.

He further described Wabara as a great asset to both the country and the PDP and wished him more strength and sound health to deliver.

In his remarks, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Damagum, described Wabara as a stabilizer who had brought so much experience to bear to the party leadership.

He noted that the South East used to be a very stronghold of the PDP, expressing confidence that those exiting the party will all return before 2027.

“All those temporarily migrating from the PDP will come back before 2027. PDP will take over what belongs to them.

“The PDP will come back sound, healthy, and victorious,” Damagum declared.

He urged PDP members in the Southeast not to despair but to remain resilient despite their challenges.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Host and Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, described Senator Wabara as an icon of democracy, recalling how he held sway as the Senate President “during the glory era of the PDP.”

Gov. Mbah, who is the only PDP governor from the South East, expressed confidence that Senator Wabara, as the BoT Chairman of the PDP, would deploy his experience to inspire the renaissance of the party.

He also wished him good health and a long life.

Meanwhile, Gov. Alex Otti of the ruling Labour Party in Abia sprang a surprise when he showed up at the event to the admiration of many.

In a brief remark, Otti said he decided to identify with the celebration because of his respect for Wabara, whom he described as an elder statesman and a true son of Abia.

Gov. Otti said he had already made up his mind to attend the event even uninvited before he eventually got the invitation, explaining that the era of politics was over and that, as the governor of the state, he should not discriminate against anybody because of party affiliations.

“Our government is a government without discrimination. After election, governance starts. I’m the governor of all Abians.

“For the first time in the history of Abia State, an Edo man is a Permanent Secretary. So, I convinced myself to be here even without an invitation. Every Abian, whether PPD, Labour, or any party, is first an Abian,” he said.

Gov. Otti, who said that “Senator Wabara is a good man,” thanked the PDP for choosing him as its BoT Chairman.

“You did not make mistake for choosing him. He is a good man and not tribalistic. He knows the difference between good and evil.”

Gov. Otti used the occasion to reassure Abia residents and visitors that the state is safe and secure, vowing that the hoodlums behind the killing of five soldiers in Aba on Thursday will be fished out to face the consequences of their action.

“Abia is safe. We will leave no stone unturned to get the criminals. We will smoke them out,” Otti vowed.

Gov. Otti later announced a state banquet at the International Conference Centre Umuahia in honour of the former Senate President to mark his 76th birthday.

Speaking at the event, Senator Wabara, who was overwhelmed with joy, said he lacked words to convey his gratitude to all the people for honouring him.

“I didn’t believe I will be alive to see this day,” Wabara said in an emotion-laden tone.

Senator Wabara thanked PDP members for allowing him to serve as the party’s BoT chairman and pledged not to disappoint them.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to all the party faithful who have bestowed upon me this great honour and entrusted me with the responsibility to lead the BoT of our great party to noble heights. Your unwavering support and trust mean the world to me, and I pledge to uphold the values and principles that our party stands for.

Wabara, who also noted that South East has always provided a strong support base for the PDP, expressed hope that the zone would continue to support the party.

“The Southeast region has long been a bastion of support for the PDP, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we continue to build upon this strong foundation for the progress and prosperity of our people.

“We must work tirelessly to address the pressing issues facing our region, including infrastructural development, job creation, and social welfare programs that uplift the lives of our citizens.

“The PDP, to me, embodies the essence of hope for my brethren in the Southeast. It is a beacon of light that illuminates the path towards a brighter and more promising future.

“Together, we can harness the collective strength and ingenuity of our people to overcome any challenges that may lie ahead, and to chart a course towards sustainable development and prosperity,” he stated.

Wabara, who noted some internal challenges in PDP, sue for peace and true reconciliation.

“I am aware that our party is not without its internal challenges. We must strive for reconciliation and unity among all warring parties at every level of the party. Division only weakens us, but unity empowers us to achieve our common goals and aspirations.”

Wabara, who accused the APC of inflicting hardship on Nigerians, said that the PDP would return as the national ruling party in 2027.

“At this period where the APC government has caused untold hardship to the citizenry, our party remains the only institution with the structure, resources, and capacity to return this country to its glory days, ensuring the masses have a hopeful future for generations unborn,” he said.

Wabara promised to help revive the PDP and reposition it for greatness.

“I stand before you today to make a solemn pledge. I pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the success and advancement of the PDP. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our party remains strong, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of our people.

“But I cannot do this alone. I humbly request the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, both within and outside the party, to join hands with me in this noble endeavour. Together, let us write a new chapter in the history of the PDP.

“Let us strive for excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in all that we do. And let us never lose sight of the ultimate goal: to build a better, brighter future for Nigeria,” he added.

Some of the dignitaries and PDP heavyweights at the event were Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Makinde of Oyo State; his Enugu State counterpart, Dr Mbah; and Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

Others were former Governor Okwesirieze Nwodo of Enugu State; PDP’s BoT Secretary and former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi; PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu; and immediate-past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu.

Former Chairman of Nigeria Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central; former Abia State Secretary, Dr Eme Okoro; and South East Vice Chairman of PDP, Ali Odefa, among a host of others, were also at the glamorous event. (Vanguard)

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