The Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a caretaker committee for its Abia State chapter as part of efforts to rebuild its structure and strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of future political engagements.

The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday at the party’s South East zonal office in Enugu and was conducted by the PDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Alli Odefa.

Members of the newly constituted committee were sworn in by the PDP South East Zonal Secretary, James Ugwu, who administered the oath of allegiance.

Those inaugurated include Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow as chairman; Chief Ochiobu Fidel, Gladys Okoro, Chief Chijindu Kalu, Kelvin Sampson, Ugo Kalu, Obinna Nwaogwugwu and Samuel Mike as members; while Felix Nwagbara will serve as secretary.

Addressing party faithful and stakeholders at the event, Odefa urged the committee to return to Abia with renewed commitment and urgency, describing their mandate as both delicate and historic. He called on them to reconnect with grassroots supporters, rebuild trust among discouraged members and restore the party’s lost vibrancy in the state.

He acknowledged that the party had faced internal challenges and external pressures, alleging that anti-democratic forces were working to weaken opposition platforms across the country. Despite this, he expressed optimism, noting that the party remained confident in the judiciary as it pursues several consolidated court cases. He stressed that unity and discipline among stakeholders would be crucial to the party’s recovery in Abia.

In his acceptance speech, caretaker chairman Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow described his appointment as a call to service, sacrifice and responsible leadership. He thanked the national leadership of the party for the confidence placed in the committee and said the moment required reflection and dedication rather than celebration.

He admitted that the party in Abia had experienced leadership crises in recent years, which weakened its structures and affected members’ morale, but pledged that the caretaker team would work to reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party.

Emeka-Yellow said the party’s November 2025 national convention in Ibadan marked a turning point, adding that the emergence of a new national leadership helped restore internal order and discipline.

He also commended key national figures for their roles in stabilising the party, including the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara; and Deputy National Secretary, Richmond Ihediwa, for their support.