Enugu State Commissioner Chukwunwike has been elected as the new PDP chairman, marking a significant leadership change. Read more to find out the impact on local politics.
The state Chairman position of the Peoples Democratic Party has been unanimously won by Martin Chukwunwike, who is also the Enugu State Commissioner for Housing.
On Saturday, the 2024 Enugu State PDP Congress that was held at Okpara Square witnessed an election.
Dr. Tony Iyoha, Chairman of the State PDP Congress Committee announced that Chukwunwike was elected unopposed.
The results of the elected State Executive Committee were announced by Iyoha, officially affirming Chukwunwike as the newly appointed state chairman.
Chukwunwike’s notable achievements include his three-time tenure as a Commissioner in the State Executive Council. He served from 2003-2007, then again from 2007-2011 and most recently until he was elected as the PDP state chairman in 2023.
Iyoha announced the outcome of the election, stating that he was authorized as the Enugu State PDP Congress electoral committee chairman to declare them rightfully elected as the PDP State Executive Committee.
Iyoha previously mentioned that he and the members of his committee were present in Enugu to oversee the election for PDP state executive.
Iyoha praised the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah for maintaining unity among party members, regardless of the results of the 2023 general elections.
He expressed gratitude to the Enugu State government for uniting the PDP community in Enugu. The Congress has proceeded without any difficulties, and they are grateful to Governor Dr Peter Mbah for bringing pride to the PDP family in Enugu.
During his acceptance speech, Chukwunwike expressed gratitude towards Mbah and all the delegates for entrusting their trust in him and other elected members of the SEC.
He made a commitment to maintain the PDP’s status as the leading party in Enugu State, preferred by many.
“In representation of the new Executive of PDP in Enugu State, I extend my congratulations to all those elected alongside me. Additionally, I express immense gratitude towards the electoral committee that traveled from Abuja. Your Excellency, rest assured that this committee will provide you with complete and unwavering support as well as loyalty. It’s important to note that loyalty cannot be partial; it’s either 100% or nonexistent. Nevertheless, we pledge our undivided devotion at a maximum level.”
“My commitment is to His Excellency and the entire state that we will surpass wherever the previous executive left off. While no union or party can claim perfection, we are dedicated to resolving any issues in order for PDP to become a unified force in Enugu State. With local government elections approaching within two weeks’ time, our team pledges utmost effort towards maintaining our record of 17 accomplishments over 17 years.”
Additional elected executive members of the party include: Chief Steve Oruruo as Deputy Chairman, Mr Chukwudi Nnadozie as Secretary, Mr Toby Odinwankpa as Auditor, Nnamdi Nwafor and Ernest Nwaeze serve respectively as Deputy Chairmen for Enugu East and West. Onyi Odibe holds the role of State Organising Secretary while Princess Peace Nnaji has been appointed State Woman Leader. The position of Youth Leader is held by Beneath Ajah whilst Uchenna Obute serves in the capacity of Publicity Secretary along with other unnamed individuals.
Previously, during his departing speech, Chief Augustine Nnamani expressed gratitude towards Governor Peter Mbah for revitalizing the PDP in Enugu State after being negatively impacted by Peter Obi’s involvement – a matter that affected both the state and South East as a whole.
The impact of Peter Obi on the party’s future was not limited to just the state, but had far-reaching consequences across the South East region. Thankfully, with Peter Mbah’s survival and intervention, he was able to salvage our party from collapse. Now we proudly stand as a leading choice for all.
