Edeoga's return, death of opposition in Enugu - PDP Chairman

---

---

By Iheanyi Chukwudi

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Enugu State, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike, has described the return of Labour Party (LP), governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, to the PDP, as the end of opposition in the state.

This is even as Edeoga's Local Government, Isi-Uzo, at the weekend staged a grand reception to formally welcome him, with the Council Chairman, Obiora Obeagu, stressing that his return had presented Isi-Uzo LGA, and Enugu State a common front for development.

The colourful homecoming, which was held at Ikem, Isi-Uzo Council headquarters, was also marked with a reception at the residence of the former PDP Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani.

The PDP State boss, Chukwunweike speaking at the occasion commended the former LP governorship candidate for accepting the hand of fellowship and partnership, assuring that Enugu PDP remained irrevocably committed to fairness, equity, and inclusive development.

Chukwunweike said, “Let us work together. Rest assured that what is happening today is just the beginning of a better tomorrow for all of us. Our Governor is determined to ensure that things go well. He wants all of us to be part of the development he is bringing.

The Governor is our leader, but he cannot lead alone. He needs our people to work with him to deliver. Enugu has remained a PDP state, and it will continue. In 2027, we will return to our normal PDP days."

In his welcome address, the Council Chairman, Obeagu, ascribed Edeoga’s return to his (Edeoga's) democratic credentials and Governor Peter Mbah’s transformative leadership qualities.

Obeagu appreciated the state and zonal party leaders for their efforts in “collapsing opposition and reuniting party members in the state,” noting a new PDP had emerged in Enugu under the chairmanship of the State Chairman, Dr. Chukwunweike.

The Council boss also highlighted Governor Mbah’s numerous development projects and the efforts Isi-Uzo Council under his leadership had made to follow in the footsteps of the governor, and called on the people of Isi-Uzo to unite in moving the local government forward.

He said, “We are welcoming you home with open hands and hearts. I make bold to say that the magnanimity of our governor and the bold step taken by our dear brother and his supporters is an open cheque for us to chart a great future for the people of Isi-Uzo Local Government. It presents a united and uncommon front for development.

It is also a paradigm shift from the way politics is played in Enugu State. It shows that you are a true democrat, who understands that the end of governance is the public good. So, I commend you and your teeming supporters for this demonstration of sportsmanship by towing the line of peace, unity, and rapprochement.

Your return is a massive addition to the political profile of Isi-Uzo Local Government and a great gain in our development drive. I, therefore, urge those who fan the embers of division and hatred for their own selfish interests to desist from such acts, as the train of Isi-Uzo is already moving."

Edeoga in his remarks, thanked the party leadership for their efforts in unifying all political stakeholders, describing Governor Mbah as a sophisticated individual armed with the necessary wealth of experience and qualities to take Enugu State to enviable heights.

He maintained that his decision to return to PDP was based on the principles of justice, fairness, and the dire need to move Isi-Uzo Local Government and the state forward.

He said, “We have made a case for Isi-Uzo, and the consciousness is there; it has become a national and international issue. We must continue to make a case for Isi-Uzo. So, please, take this message home that Isi-Uzo is hungry for inclusion."

The party Chairman in Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Jacob Abonyi, thereafter, formally received the returnees back in the party’s fold and expressed happiness over the development.