By Charles Pemu 
Delta State – Elder Emma Ogidi, the caretaker chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South geopolitical zone and Delta State, has expressed strong optimism about the party’s resilience despite recent high-profile defections. Mandated by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) in late April to rebuild the Delta State chapter, Ogidi firmly believes the party remains formidable ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogidi’s appointment followed the April 28 defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and numerous state PDP members to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Ogidi maintains that the grassroots support for the PDP in Delta State remains overwhelming. “Electorates don’t defect; it is the politicians who defect,” he asserted, adding that “PDP is still a brand in Delta State.” Likening the party to an “Iroko tree” that is “hard to overthrow,” he metaphorically stated, “We were shedding leaves in the dry season, and now that the rains are here, the leaves are coming back.”
On the structural front, Ogidi has compiled lists of party faithful who have congregated in various local government areas, which he plans to submit to the national leadership. The National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to appoint a state caretaker committee, empowering it to organize subsequent ward, state, and local congresses to solidify the PDP’s presence.
Addressing concerns about the party’s national stability, especially following reports of key figures like Atiku Abubakar exploring options with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogidi dismissed such claims. He insisted these individuals have not officially left the PDP and will eventually return, emphasizing that the “one per cent up there is always the problem… but the electorate is 99 per cent.”
He also tackled perceived dominance by figures like Nyesom Wike, asserting, “The people own PDP, not one man.” Ogidi acknowledged the need for party discipline, which he said would become evident after the upcoming National Convention.
The party held a crucial NEC meeting on June 30, where it recognized Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its legitimate Secretary—a decision necessitated by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directives for correspondence to be jointly signed. Another NEC meeting is scheduled for July 23, where lists for the convention and zoning committees will be approved, alongside the date for the national convention. Ogidi confirmed his own South-South and Delta Caretaker Committee appointments are set for approval at this meeting.
To the PDP faithful in Delta State, Ogidi’s message is clear: “As the rain falls in its season, so also, the PDP will reign in its season… Delta State’s PDP is still strong.” He urged them to remain steadfast and maintain their trust in the party.