In a different twist, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Abia State has disclosed that they will not step down for anybody, dismissing claims that the party has formed alliance with the All Progressive Congress (APC), and therefore, will not present candidates for the upcoming elections.
Speaking with Journalists in Umuahia, the PDP chairman in the State, Elder Abraham Amah, said the party has its own structures and as well, people that are entitled to speak for the party, debunking the statements making around that the PDP is in alliance with the APC.
Elder Abraham Amah
He said those making such statements are doing so out of their own volition and do not represent the position of the party.
According to him, the PDP would field candidates across the various elective positions from state to national, adding that three persons have already indicated interest to run for Abia governorship under its platform, adding that by 28th of April, 2026, the party would begin the sale of interest forms and it’s prepared to record victory in the elections.
Amah emphasized that all PDP candidates would be on the ballot, stressing that none of their candidates would step down for any reason rather the candidates of other parties would step down for their candidates, re-emphasizing that his party is not in any coalition with any party.
He argued that those spreading such narrative, are doing so because they know the PDP is the only party that has the key to the 2027 election magic.
Abia PDP Chairman, Amah
Also during the Stakeholders meeting, Amah reiterated that the PDP is too big and extremely grassrooted to agree on such laughable alignment with any political party, urging people to disregard such reports.
Similarly, a PDP chieftain and a former commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, during the Stakeholders meeting at the Party’s Secretariat, thanked the State Working Committee of the party, stressing that they deserved praise for remaining steadfast despite the temptations and challenges.
He urged the party members to ignore all the fake news of alliances with Party A or Party B, stressing that those making up such narratives are aware that it is only the PDP that has the capacity to unseat the current administration in Abia State.
Chief John Okiyi Kalu
“We’re not a small party to be thinking of coalition with any party. Those making up the stories are aware that if we don’t sell our birth right, they cannot enter the government house. However, we’re taking back that government house come 2027.
“The state working committee deserves some praises. People have tested, and they’ve seen. One thing is sure, the PDP cannot be afraid of any party in Abia because we have the grassroots links, and they’re still intact.
“Yes, some people left, but we’re still here, strong and ready to go. Nobody should panic because even those we’re to compete with as a party know that we’re capable of defeating them”.
Chief John Okiyi Kalu, however, advised the state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and his followers to reduce the violent tones in their recent political messages, stressing that Abia, is a state known for peaceful election exercises, and must not be plunged into crisis because of unguided rhetoric from desperate politicians.
“We’ve held elections in this state for many years, and nobody died. We have the history of always engaging ourselves in the media and talking to each other on issue-based topics.
“I don’t understand why some people are threatening others to write their wills nowadays just because of politics.
“One thing every member of the PDP should take home today is that we’re a party with dual angles. If peace is the approach they want, we’ll give them peace.
“However, if they say they don’t want peace, let them tell us anything they want, I believe we can give it to them to reciprocate whatever they throw at us”.
The meeting attracted several party stakeholders from all the seventeen Local Government Areas, including Senatorial zone chairmen and a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT).
Speaking with Journalists, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, disclosed that the party would present governorship candidates from either Abia North/Abia Central, as the party would decide on zoning, stating that their decision would be basically to carry everyone along.
Former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu
The Abia Stakeholders after their meeting, passed a vote of confidence on the Minister of the FCT and National Leader of PDP, Nyesom Wike, the National working Committee of the party led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, the BOT chairman, Sen Mao Ohuabunwa, as well as, the Abia State working committee led by Elder Abraham Amah.
