The National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the South-South, Emmanuel Ogidi, has dismissed the emergence of a parallel Board of Trustees (BoT) within the party as “an act of the minority having their say.”
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Ogidi insisted that the development had no constitutional basis and would not stand.
“It is easy for democracy — the minority will have their say,” he said. “By our constitution, the BoT is clearly defined. What some people have done is not recognised by the party; they are not the BoT. They can say what they like, but they remain the minority.”
The PDP chieftain said those behind the purported BoT meeting were seeking attention, stressing that their actions had no effect on the legitimacy or operations of the recognised party organs.
“Some of them may be party members, but I don’t know them. If you talk about the BoT that we know, then truth be told, no one is there. They are not the BoT,” he said.
Ogidi also clarified issues surrounding the controversy involving the party’s National Secretary, who was recently suspended, saying the action followed due process.
“The Secretary has abandoned his office,” he said. “How can he put in the money to actually make things work when he’s not in office? The PDP structure is clear — 35% of the officers make up the core, and the chairman represents 2%. The secretary must be part of the process. If he abandons his duties, the party has the right to act.”
He maintained that the party’s ongoing reconciliation efforts and internal mechanisms were aimed at stabilising its leadership and preparing it for future elections.
“We started the reform process three years ago, and we are progressing,” he said. “We will not allow indiscipline or illegality to derail the party. Democracy must be guided by rules, and that is what we are doing.”
Ogidi reiterated that despite internal disagreements, the PDP remained strong and focused on its role as Nigeria’s main opposition party.
“We will continue to correct our own issues internally. The PDP remains the only national party with the structure and experience to rescue Nigeria from the current hardship,” he stated.
Boluwatife Enome
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