by Enyinnaya Appolos

Just a day after a highly successful and well-attended thank-you courtesy visit to the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, by his former aides and political appointees at his country home in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa, the Obingwa chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once again demonstrated its resilience and organizational strength by holding its enlarged monthly LGA meeting on Sunday.

The meeting, which brought together members from all 11 political wards in the Local Government Area, was initially threatened by what party leaders described as a deliberate attempt by the Abia State Government to suppress opposition activities.

The PDP was first denied access to the Umuakatawom Community School field, which had been prepared as the venue for the meeting. The Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, reportedly led a team of heavily armed security personnel to the venue, where they disrupted the gathering and forcefully chased party members away. The justification given was that no formal permission had been granted for the use of the field—an explanation PDP members dismissed as flimsy and politically motivated.

Undeterred by the show of force, the party members quickly regrouped and moved to the Umuakatawom Village Market Square, hoping to continue the meeting in a neutral public space. However, they were once again met with resistance. Government officials insisted that no government-controlled space would be made available to the PDP for any political activity unless prior approval had been obtained from higher authorities.

At this point, rather than allow frustration to set in, and in order to avert the crisis the government appeared to be provoking as an excuse to cause mayhem in the PDP-controlled LGA, the determined party members mobilized for a third time and successfully relocated to a private venue. There, the meeting was held in grand style, with an impressive turnout, spirited discussions, and a renewed sense of purpose. The resilience displayed by the members turned what could have been a failed event into a powerful statement of courage, unity, and political determination.

Despite the obstruction, the turnout remained massive and the energy palpable. The atmosphere brimmed with confidence, unity, and defiance, a clear message to those who believed the PDP had been silenced in Obingwa.

In their various addresses, speakers at the meeting, including the State Chairman of the party, Elder Abraham Ama; the Abia South Zonal Vice Chairman, Enyinnaya Appolos; the two serving members of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu and Hon. Erondu Uchenna; along with other notable party leaders, former appointees, and ward executives, commended the never-say-die spirit of party members. They praised their courage, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the party despite the political pressure, harassment, and intimidation from the Alex Otti-led administration.

“This is a movement that cannot be broken. No amount of venue denial or disruption can suppress the will of a united people. Obingwa PDP remains strong, rooted, and ready for the journey ahead. This PDP meeting, coming just a day after our visit to our leader, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has reawakened the party spirit in Obingwa. We are reorganizing, reconnecting with our base, and preparing for the bigger political battles ahead. 2027 is not far away. Against all odds, we are standing firm. As far as 2027 is concerned: Yes, we can, and yes, we will!” Amah said.

The meeting also served as a rallying call for the party’s rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. Leaders emphasized the urgent need for strategic mobilization, grassroots engagement, and unity of purpose to reclaim power at the state level and return to Government House, Umuahia.

Chants of “PDP! Power to the People!” echoed throughout the venue, reinforcing the collective optimism that the party is far from finished. If anything, the PDP in Obingwa is regrouping, refueling, and repositioning itself for a strong political comeback.