Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the state PDP Chairman, Elder Amah Abraham, have criticized members who defected from the party, labeling them as disloyal and incapable of enduring challenges.
Speaking at his Obingwa residence on Saturday, during a visit by the PDP State Working Committee, Ikpeazu accused defectors of sabotaging the party, attributing its 2023 electoral losses to internal betrayal.
Lessons Learned
Ikpeazu stated, “Our party’s loss wasn’t caused by external forces but by some of us who turned against our own. If we want to rebuild, it starts with accountability and commitment. Some people sabotaged us and now fear retribution.”
He warned against accepting defectors back without scrutiny, emphasizing that the PDP needs loyal and hardworking members to reclaim its position in the 2027 elections.
Time of Reckoning
Ikpeazu said defectors would face the consequences of their actions. “Those who betrayed us are now suffering the cosmic consequences of their betrayal. The PDP made them multimillionaires, and they turned against it. Anyone who repeats this will face severe repercussions.”
He urged the party to replace uncooperative stakeholders with committed youths, likening the party’s strategy to Gideon’s biblical battle tactics, prioritizing quality over quantity.
A Call for Unity and Focus
Ikpeazu denied allegations from defectors that he worked against PDP candidates in the last election, describing such claims as baseless. “I did not sabotage anyone. The failure was collective, and we must all own it.”
He also declared that PDP’s electoral loss was a disguised blessing. “Losing the election has helped us identify true loyalists. We are returning to Government House in 2027, and this time, we are rebuilding with genuine members.”
Chairman’s Appeal
Elder Abraham echoed Ikpeazu’s sentiments, urging party members to resist corrupt influences in the selection process. He assured that the PDP would conduct free and fair primaries, giving communities the power to choose their representatives.
“The PDP is poised for a fresh start. Let us avoid selling out to the highest bidder. This is our chance to strengthen the party and prepare for victory in 2027,” he concluded.
The meeting ended with a call for unity, hard work, and a renewed commitment to the party’s goals.