2027: Nobody can intimidate PDP in Abia – Ex-commissioner

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A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Abia State, John Kalu, has asserted that nobody, irrespective of their position, can intimidate the PDP as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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Mr Kalu made the declaration on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the PDP secretariat in Umuahia, where he urged party leaders and members to remain steadfast and united.

The former commissioner for information and trade and investment charged the State Working Committee (SWC) to convey a clear message to all PDP members: the party is back, stronger, and ready to confront any political challenge in 2027.

He advised members to disregard what he termed the “noise of war” coming from the ruling government, describing it as a sign of fear over the PDP’s organisational strength and capacity to reclaim power.

“While Abia State has long been known for peaceful elections, no one should assume they have a monopoly on any strategy, especially unnecessary threats meant to instil fear,” Mr Kalu warned.

He stressed that the PDP, drawing on its wealth of experience, has deliberately chosen the path of peace to win the 2027 elections, but is also prepared to respond if the ruling party “chooses a different style of politics”.

Mr Kalu stated, “Do not be afraid of the noise of war, because the noise of war is not war. Those sounding it are scared of the PDP. They know it is only the PDP that can defeat them and remove them from power.

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“They are aware we still have the structure that can deliver victory with little effort. I have also observed attempts to deliberately militarise Abia State. The language being used by the governor, such as ‘write your will’, is alien to our political culture. But we are not intimidated.

“Threats about dead bodies from a deputy chairman and other reckless statements from local government chairmen are flying around. All of these are aimed at creating fear, but we are not buying it.”

He said that elections in Abia under the PDP administrations were conducted peacefully with no loss of lives.

Mr Kalu reminded the gathering that the PDP is the party of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, “known for promoting peace, but also draws strength from the style of Rivers State Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike when provoked”.

“If they want peace, we will give them peace. But if they attempt to intimidate us, we will resist firmly. We prefer peace, but nobody — no matter his position — can intimidate the PDP in Abia. This is our land, and no one can make us panic on the soil of Abia,” he declared.

The PDP chieftain appealed to the SWC to take full charge of the party’s mobilisation efforts and reach out to those who had left the fold, noting that many had realised there was no better alternative elsewhere.

“Let the message resonate loud and clear: we are back and ready,” Mr Kalu added.

He expressed belief in the party’s structures and capacity to win, urging members to come together.

In response, the PDP State Chairman, Abraham Amah, thanked Mr Kalu for his visit and message of solidarity, noting that it had further boosted the party’s morale.

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“PDP remains visible in most families, polling units, wards, and local governments across Abia. We appreciate stakeholders like you showing commitment. You have demonstrated that you are a true party man with a good conscience,” Mr Amah said.

The Abia State PDP Women Leader, Fidelia Ukejianya, also commended Mr Kalu for standing with the SWC and assured him that his counsel would be fully implemented.

The meeting underscores the PDP’s determination to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 polls in Abia.