The Elders Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has issued a strong warning to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, urging it not to tamper with the elected leadership of the party in the state.
The warning came after a crucial meeting held on Friday at the residence of elder statesman and party leader, Senator Ben Ndi Obi, where the elders expressed deep concern over alleged moves to dissolve the state executive committee. They described such actions as unnecessary and dangerous for the peace and unity of the party in the state.
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the Elders Council, Chief Felix Oli, and Secretary, Dr. Odili Ojukwu, the council stated clearly that there is no legal case or internal protest against the current executives of the PDP in Anambra. They emphasized that the last state congress, which produced the present leadership, was peaceful, transparent, and widely accepted by party members.
“The current Anambra State PDP Executive is performing admirably,” the communiqué stated. “There is relative peace within the party, and all stakeholders are being actively engaged.”
The elders also dismissed rumors suggesting there is a pending lawsuit challenging the current leadership. According to them, such claims are false and aimed at creating confusion and division within the party.
The council praised the performance of the state executive, describing it as inclusive and well-coordinated. They warned that any attempt by the NWC to dissolve the structure would be seen as an act of sabotage and a threat to the party’s stability ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra and the party’s national convention, both scheduled for November.
“We respectfully urge the National Working Committee and PDP Governors’ Forum to recognize that any move capable of destabilizing the legitimate structure of our party in Anambra State may inadvertently be construed as an attempt to weaken internal cohesion,” the elders warned.
They added that undermining the current executive could raise serious questions about the party’s credibility in the forthcoming elections, both at the state and national levels.
The Anambra PDP Elders Council includes prominent members such as former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, and a presidential aide, among other senior party stakeholders. They maintained that the present leadership has carried all interest groups along and has worked hard to rebuild trust and unity among party members.
The elders reminded the NWC of the successful congress it conducted in Anambra, describing it as one of the most transparent and peaceful in the history of the party in the state. They stressed that the NWC should protect that success rather than destroy it based on unverified claims or political manipulation.
“One of the most significant achievements of the current NWC remains the free and fair congress conducted in Anambra State,” the communiqué noted. “Having accomplished this milestone, the NWC must not allow itself to be manipulated into undermining its own success.”
They also appealed to the national leadership of the PDP, especially the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun, to remain focused and not be swayed by individuals trying to mislead the party with false information.
The council expressed appreciation to the NWC for its earlier support, especially during the difficult period when a Caretaker Committee was appointed and a new congress was eventually held. They praised the national body for ensuring a smooth transition and successful elections that produced the current state executives.
As the 2025 governorship election approaches, the PDP in Anambra is hoping to regain its lost political ground in the state. The party has struggled in recent years, losing major elections to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, with the new leadership in place, there are hopes for revival—if internal unity can be maintained.
The elders concluded their communiqué with a firm call for caution, urging the NWC not to take any action that would reverse the gains already made.
“We have made progress, and there is no justification for regression,” the council stated.
