Abia PDP Disclaims Self-Proclaimed Chieftain, Urges Focus on Holding Governor Otti Accountable | #NwokeukwuMascot

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The Abia State chapter of the PDP has, in a statement, called on Abians and well-meaning Nigerians to disregard fake claims made by desperate blogs and WhatsApp platforms. These platforms have published claims by a certain individual, Chief Emeka Kalu, who is falsely presenting himself as a chieftain of the party.

In a disclaimer signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Eric Ikwuagwu, the party clarified that stakeholder status is conferred on members based on their significant contributions to the growth of the party. He further stated that a party chieftain or stakeholder status is not self-proclaimed, as is the case with the individual in question, Mr. Emeka Kalu.

The statement reads in full: “It has come to the attention of the Abia Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that some online blogs and WhatsApp platforms have published claims by a certain character, Chief Emeka Kalu, who is falsely presenting himself as a chieftain of the party.

“PDP chieftains and stakeholders are well known to the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) and the party leadership at various levels. A party chieftain or stakeholder status is conferred on members based on their significant contributions to the growth of the party. A true party chieftain and stakeholder is not self-proclaimed, as is the case with the individual in question, Mr. Emeka Kalu. Therefore, we wish to clarify that this individual is not recognized as a stakeholder or chieftain within the records of Abia PDP.

“While the Abia PDP would have ordinarily ignored this individual’s claims as the rantings of someone in political wilderness seeking relevance, it is important to address his misguided remarks, especially at a time when the Governor is yet to implement the new minimum wage consequential salary adjustments. Pensioners are being tricked into forfeiting their entitlements, contracts are awarded without due process at over-inflated amounts, the locations of the N6.5 billion recreational facilities, N2.4 billion ICT infrastructure, and other phantom expenditures worth over N100 billion remain unknown. Additionally, the mass sack and premature retirement of Abia workers are ongoing. With this mountain of problems, it is far too early for any sane person to abandon governance and start discussing the 2027 re-election.

“Again, the Abia PDP is mindful of scammers who go about dropping the name of the party to deceive unsuspecting members of the public or curry favor from the government.

“It is important to remind the public that every member of a political party, especially a well-structured party like the PDP, must be properly registered in their ward. The individual must regularly pay dues, attend ward meetings, have their name listed in the updated party register, and be issued a party membership card. These are the only legitimate criteria that confer party membership to individuals—not mere friendships with a former presidential aspirant.

“Abia PDP, therefore, urges the general public to disregard the PDP chieftain claims of the character Emeka Kalu until he registers in his ward as a member of the PDP. Instead, Abians should focus on constructive efforts to hold Governor Alex Otti accountable for the progress and development of Abia State.”