The National Vice Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee for the South South, Emmanuel Ogidi has said that reconciliation is the immediate priority for the new National Working Committee, (NWC), of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), urging disgruntled members to put the party’s survival and unity above individual interests.
This is following the recent National Convention of the PDP and inauguration of the NWC.
Ogidi said this in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, where he discussed the newly inaugurated National Working Committee, (NWC), of the PDP.
Host: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has a new National Working Committee following the successful conduct of its national convention. Joining us to discuss this and the way forward for the party is Emmanuel Ogidi, the National Vice Chairman, South South. Good to have you with us this morning.
“Reconciliation is at the top of our agenda. The new NWC, led by the National Chairman, is already reaching out. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind. For those in court, we are appealing to their sense of party loyalty. Politics is about interests, yes, but those interests must align with the survival of the platform. We are setting up robust reconciliation committees at various levels to ensure every aggrieved voice is heard and addressed,” he said.
Speaking on the convention, Ogidi attributed its smooth conduct to the collective determination within the party to “get it right this time.”
“Well, the ‘secret’ was simply our desire to get it right this time. We’ve had our share of challenges, and every member of the party—from the leadership to the grassroots—realized that if we didn’t come together now, we might lose the momentum we need for the future. We had a very transparent process, and even those who had concerns were brought to the table. It was about compromise and the collective interest of the party over individual ambitions,” he revealed.
Responding to criticism about the party’s past record, Ogidi said Nigerians now have the opportunity to compare the country’s situation under the PDP with the current administration led by the APC.
“It’s easy to point fingers, but Nigerians can now compare and contrast. Look at the economy, security, and the general state of the nation now versus then. We aren’t saying we were perfect, but we had a direction. We grew the economy, we strengthened institutions. What we are doing now is learning from our past mistakes and bringing in fresh ideas.”
He added that the new NWC combines experience with fresh ideas aimed at delivering results for Nigerians.
“The new NWC is a blend of experience and new energy. Nigerians are tired of excuses; they want results, and the PDP is ready to provide that.”
Addressing concerns about zoning, Ogidi said the arrangement remains a constitutional principle within the PDP aimed at ensuring equity and balance.
“Zoning is a constitutional matter within our party, designed to ensure equity. While there are ongoing discussions, the most important thing is finding a candidate who can win and who can lead. We are a democratic party, and we will follow the due process as laid down in our guidelines. The focus right now is building a formidable structure that can support whoever emerges,” he explained.
In his message to supporters, Ogidi urged PDP members to stay loyal and focused, highlighting the party’s renewed unity.
“My message is simple: the PDP is back and stronger. This convention proved that we can organize ourselves and lead. We are more united than ever. To our supporters, stay focused and remain loyal to the party. The work has just begun, and together, we will rescue and rebuild Nigeria,” he concluded.
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