The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Ogidi, has declared that the party will proceed with preparations for its national convention despite a court ruling halting the exercise. He also dismissed criticisms from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing him and his allies as ?not real PDP members.?

Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Ogidi maintained that the PDP was following due process in organising its convention and would appeal the judgement stopping it.

?We are doing everything within our guidelines. It?s unfortunate that some of our members are economical with the facts. What happened in court today was like a comedy. But we have made up our minds ? we have appealed, and we will continue with our processes because we believe we are doing the right thing,? Ogidi said.

He accused Wike and other disgruntled members of displaying arrogance and working against the party?s interests.

?They are the ones that are arrogant. They are the ones who have been boasting. They are not PDP members as far as I am concerned,? Ogidi stated.

The PDP chieftain recalled similar internal crises in the party?s past, saying it had always overcome such legal and political battles.

?In 2016 and 2017, when we had an imposter called Sheriff, we went through a similar experience. We went to the convention, and right there, he disappeared. His deputy, Secondus, had to convene the meeting. We went from the Federal High Court to the Supreme Court ? I was in all those processes. This one too will pass,? he said.

On allegations that the party failed to conduct congresses in 12 or more states before the convention, Ogidi dismissed the claims as false and exaggerated.

?It?s not true. Some of the so-called 12 states are just cases where one or two wards had issues. The party will never sideline any state or person. Look at Delta, for instance ? when the governor left, the whole structure collapsed, and we?re rebuilding it. There has never been a convention where all 36 states were fully represented,? he said.

When asked if it was legal or wise for the PDP to continue with preparations despite the restraining order, Ogidi insisted that the party was acting within its rights.

?We are fully within our processes. We are going to appeal and ask for a stay of execution. Until the appeal is heard, the process must continue. If we cannot meet it, then we?ll know what to do on the 15th and 16th, but for now, preparations will go on,? he affirmed.

Ogidi reiterated his confidence that the convention scheduled for November 15th and 16th would still hold, stressing that the party would not be deterred by distractions.

?Why should I doubt it? It?s going to hold. We are going to ask for self-execution ? it?s our right. What makes you think it won?t be granted?? he asked.

Responding to claims that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ogidi maintained that due process was followed.

?It?s very interesting that we had already submitted our letter to INEC, signed by the chairman and secretary. Before anyone says it wasn?t signed, have they even investigated it properly?? he queried.

The PDP leader also took aim at Wike?s record of attendance and contribution to party affairs.

?Some of these members making noise don?t even attend meetings. The minister who is talking now is a member of NEC ? has he ever attended any of our three NEC meetings? They don?t know what?s going on, yet they criticise the leadership,? Ogidi said.

He further urged the new INEC Chairman to ensure fairness and transparency in the country?s electoral processes.

?Each time somebody wins an election, the court overturns it, denying the people their right to choose. It?s high time we addressed these issues. The new INEC Chairman has a big responsibility ? he must conduct credible elections and uphold fairness,? Ogidi stated.

Despite the court setback, Ogidi expressed optimism about the PDP?s resilience and unity.

?We have been through this before, and we will overcome it again. Our processes will continue, our appeal will succeed, and the PDP convention will hold,? he concluded. (AriseNews TV)

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