It is a new dawn for members of the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a new elected executive has taken charge of the party.
On Thursday November 14, 2024, the former Caretaker Committee successfully handed over to the newly elected State Executive, marking a significant milestone in the party’s history.
Indeed, prior to the State congress which held on October 23, 2024, the party has long been plagued by internal divisions and being led by parallel executives from the ward to State level, hence it was a triumphant party that successfully elected its executive for the first time in 24 years.
In the closely contested election, Mr. Chidi Chidebe secured 1,080 votes to emerge chairman while his main opponent, Amaechi Onowu, garnered 960 votes.
Other key positions filled during the State Congress include Mr. Charles Anierobi as Deputy Chairman and a grassroots mobiliser, Comrade Ebere Onunkwo, as Secretary.
The State Congress where the 39-member State executive emerged for a four-year tenure which will end in 2028, was endorsed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party via a letter by the National Organising Committee (NOS), Hon Umar Bature on November 7, 2024.
The transition to an elected executive began with their inauguration and formal transfer of power was celebrated during the Unity Gala programme at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka. There, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Engr. Chigozie Igwe and former Chairman Hon. Sir Ndubuisi Nwobu received awards for their outstanding contributions to the party’s unity and growth.
In his address, Engr. Igwe expressed his gratitude, stating, “This transition is not just a change of leadership but a testament to our collective commitment to the values and principles that define our party. I am confident that under the new leadership, we will continue to build on the solid foundation we have laid.”
The new State Chairman, Barrister Chidi Chidebe, praised Engr. Igwe and Hon. Nwobu for their dedication, hard work, and leadership, acknowledging that the recent Congress organized by Igwe is the most organized, transparent, and impactful in the party’s history.
“The unity and progress we have achieved are a direct result of the tireless efforts of leaders like Engr. Igwe and Hon. Nwobu. It is now our responsibility to carry this momentum forward,” Barr. Chidebe emphasized.
Chidebe outlined a comprehensive agenda to stimulate the party’s growth, focusing on reunifying and reconciling party members, strengthening the party structure, building strategic partnerships, re-energizing electoral machinery, and promoting accountability and transparency. This agenda aims to foster unity, grassroots engagement, and electoral success, building on the progress made by Engr. Igwe.
The event was attended by prominent party stakeholders, including Dr. CC Okeke, former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Felix Oli, Chairman of the Anambra State PDP Elders Council, and Hon. Ebere Onunkwo, PDP State Secretary, among others.