The Peoples Democratic Party, in Imo State has not been the same after losing the governorship of the state to the All Progressive Congress, APC. After the Supreme Court removed Emeka Ihedioha as Governor and replaced him with Senator Hope uzodinma of the APC, it has been tough for the party.
At the grassroots, there is despondency among members who groan over loss of power by the party which was in their grip for barely seven months. Their mood is worsened by the inconsistency of some of its leaders, including it’s members at the State House of Assembly
Seven of them had defected to the APC including the Speaker, leaving behind a handful of members who now constitute the minority in the State legislature. Congresses at the ward and local governments chapters of the party, had ended in unsatisfactory manner, as some party leaders complained that the process was not transparent.
Some federal lawmakers elected on the platform of the party were said to be making attempts to also quit the party, but Hon Heny Nwawuba, member representing Mbailtoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency swiftly denied the allegations.
“I have remained and shall remain a stalwart of the PDP even if I become the last man standing. Even in the challenging time of the Supreme Court’s withdrawal of our mandate, I have remained totally loyal to the leaders and structures of our Party in Imo State” Nwawuba had said in a statement.
The State executive is the engine room of the party which regulates the activities of the party in the State. It has been hit lately by resignations of some officials. Congress to elect new officials at the state exco was stalled by the coronavirus pandemic. A new date is yet to be announced for the exercise.
The party executive is witnessing some challenges as a result of the resignation of its top officials. First to resign was the State Chairman, Charlie Ezekwem. He had to quit at a period the party was seeking review of the Supreme Court judgement which had sacked Ihedioha from office.
Two other officials of the party executives have also joined the Chairman to leave the party. They are Damian Opara, Publicity Secretary of the party and the Assistant Financial Secretary, Mr.Okedu. The duo are speculated to be heading to the ruling APC with their supporters.
There are speculations that more resignations of party officials will follow and more members may decamp to the APC.
Analysts contend that if this trend continues, it may reduce the morale of party members at the grassroots, which may not augur well for the party as the 2023 elections gradually comes close in the State.