Ward Congress: Imo PDP Chieftains Compile Names Of Ward Executives In Hotel Rooms, Private Homes

Despite stern warning from the national leadership of the PDP that it will no longer accept imposition of party officers and candidates at all levels, some party chieftains in Imo State have resorted to the same old practice of compiling names of party executives.

The PDP plans to hold ward congresses next Saturday in Imo State and some other States.

This newspaper had reported two days ago that many party leaders in the party are interested in compiling names of party officers than head to the field to allow party members elect their party officers and representatives.

 INNONEWS.COM checks reveal that most of the PDP bigwigs in the State have deployed their foot-soldiers to their various local governments with the mandate to “deliver” their wards to them.

Despite the efforts to reconcile aggrieved party stakeholders in the State by the national leadership, the intense battle to take control of the party structure has been fueled by political heavyweights who have governorship ambitions in 2019.

To them, taking control of the party leadership from the ward to the state levels will enhance their aspiration.  

Some leaders of the party were holed up in some hotels in Owerri city and their private homes with their party faithful and writing down names of ward party officers in their various local governments.

A source in the party said this development arose because there is every likelihood that the ward executives scattered across the 27 local governments in the state will be “harmonized”  Also several groups within the party have holding meetings preparing their members for the congress.

Our reporter received a text message from some PDP stalwarts in Owerri municipal which read thus “ "U are invited to a meeting of PDP stakeholders Owerri municipal on Thursday, 14^th April at Oha Owere hall by 3pm. Pls inform others”

It was learnt such meetings also took part in other local governments in the State

As at yesterday, forms for interested aspirants for various positions at the ward levels have not gone on sale at the state party secretariat.  A top party official said the forms will be available soon.

Imposition of party officers and candidates have been the undoing of the PDP in Imo State. The party has been in opposition in the State since 2007