The National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the South-South, Emmanuel Ogidi, says the opposition party will no longer tolerate acts of indiscipline as it prepares for its National Elective Convention in November, warning that erring members will soon face sanctions.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Ogidi dismissed speculations that the party’s convention could be disrupted, insisting that the PDP remains strong and united despite internal challenges.
“The PDP is a very big party — a grassroots-based party with millions of supporters. Yes, we have had issues, but we are not as weak as people think. We have dealt with the so-called forged documents, and we are waiting for the DSS to complete its investigations. The truth is that the document was not forged,” Ogidi said.
He accused certain individuals within the party of attempting to sabotage preparations for the convention.
“There was a group planning to disrupt the convention. They met and gave conditions, saying that if those conditions were not met, there would be no convention. Who are they to dictate that? The PDP is an organised party with structures — the NWC and the NEC. You can’t hijack the process simply because you have money,” he added.
Ogidi also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the party has “weaponised hunger” to influence political behaviour.
“This APC has used hunger as a weapon. People are so hungry now that they can be swayed easily. But we in the PDP are focused. We know some have left the party out of impatience, but we believe many of them will come back,” he said.
When asked about allegations of weak internal democracy and failure to enforce discipline, Ogidi admitted that the PDP had made mistakes.
“Yes, Nigerians appreciate what we are going through. It is self-inflicted. We have not wielded the big stick when we should have. Because we see ourselves as a big family, we tend to treat matters internally. But we now have tigers in the family — those who once supported the party but are now trying to frustrate it. Very soon, you will see us wielding the big stick, and you will be shocked,” he declared.
Ogidi further confirmed that disciplinary action is already being considered against some party members.
“There are cases being reviewed. Everything is getting ready. The big stick will be wielded against those who have acted against the party’s interest,” he said.
On the ongoing northern stakeholders’ meeting to decide the micro-zoning of the chairmanship position, Ogidi said the leadership respects the process.
“In our 102nd NEC meeting, the report was presented by Governor Diri. Both the North and South were asked to handle their micro-zoning independently, and we were informed of their decisions. We respect what they have done,” he noted.
Despite the recent defections and internal disputes, Ogidi insisted that the PDP remains the party to beat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have faced challenges, yes, but the PDP remains strong. Nigerians still believe in us because we are the only party capable of rescuing this country,” he said.
Boluwatife Enome
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