Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and the Labour Party, (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, have reopened talks that could lead to the erstwhile party member’s return to the PDP fold.
Edeoga was former PDP member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, had also served as special adviser (Legal) to former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, in the 6th Senate as well as special assistant on National Assembly Matters to former President Goodluck Jonathan; and two-term commissioner in the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi between 2015 and 2022, all on the platform of the PDP before he pulled out after the governorship primary to run on the platform of LP.
Addressing reporters at a joint press briefing after a closed-door meeting with Edeoga at the former LP flag bearer’s Enugu residence, the chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the PDP, Dr Martins Chukwunweike, said the meeting was in line with his agenda to unite the party and bring back all former members.
“PDP used to be the only party in Enugu State. But in the last election, something happened that did not go as they used to. So, when I came on board, I discussed with the governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, that we must do everything possible to get all our people back in the fold. We must do everything possible to see that Enugu State becomes 100 per cent PDP the way it used to be. We decided to consult with some key people with PDP all along.
“Chijioke Edeoga is one of them. When we discussed this, he told me in plain language that he owes a lot to PDP and that he had become a lot through the PDP.
He has been in the State Executive Council of Enugu State under PDP and much more.
“We have had a lot of discussions before now, and today I came to his house with the members of my executives – the deputy chairman, secretary, and publicity secretary- and he is okay with and satisfied with our visit. We will have him back at the party based on what he told us. The only thing is that being somebody who is not standing alone, who has people who are his team members, it is only right that he should also consult before coming to give us the expected verdict so that we will all go into the next election united as one family that we have always been. We know and are confident that PDP under Dr Peter Mbah will eventually become what it used to be: the only party in Enugu State.
“Importantly, he has asked us to tell the governor that he has seen all his good works, that even the blind man can see the good roads. Therefore, our visit has been very successful, and when we next call you, it will be for him to tell you what I call the expected response.
Erdogan also said he would consult his supporters in addition to discussing this with the PDP chieftains.
“Yes, the leadership of PDP in Enugu State came to see me, demanding I return to the PDP, and I told them I would consult widely because I am a product of several men and women of goodwill. I greatly respect the team and the Chairman, but it is not for Igbo people to hear such a weighty thing and respond immediately. I will take it home, and as soon as possible, I will get back to the Chairman, and my position will be known. But it has been a wonderful meeting of brothers and former allies,” he stated.
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