By Sochima Agbo 

Emene, Enugu - A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and prominent stakeholder in Enugu politics, Samson Chukwu Nnamani, has commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the South East PDP Zonal Congress held on Saturday at the Rocana Institute in Emene, Enugu State.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the exercise, Nnamani described the congress as a significant step toward rebuilding and repositioning the PDP in the South East, noting that the consensus-driven process reflected unity and renewed commitment among party leaders and delegates.

He congratulated Ray Nnaji on his emergence as the party’s South East Zonal Chairman, expressing confidence in his capacity to consolidate on existing gains and strengthen the party’s grassroots structure across the region.

Nnamani also praised key figures within the party, including Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, and elder statesman Jim Nwobodo, for what he described as their resilience and commitment to “rescuing the soul of the PDP” in the South East.

According to him, “the successful conduct of this congress is a clear indication that the PDP remains strong, united, and ready to reclaim its rightful place in Enugu State and beyond.”

He called on party members to remain steadfast and committed, assuring them that the PDP would regain political dominance in the state by 2027.

The congress attracted a wide array of party heavyweights and stakeholders from across the region, including Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, a key party leader in Ebonyi State; as well as other senior figures and delegates from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, underscoring the importance of the congress.

In his remarks at the event, the National Secretary of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, lauded the role played by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in sustaining the party during challenging periods, particularly amid fears by critics that the PDP could disintegrate. He reassured members that the party was already on a recovery path and poised to reclaim states lost to rival parties.

The congress was conducted peacefully, with zonal officers elected through consensus, a development widely seen as a demonstration of unity and internal cohesion within the party.

In his acceptance speech, Ray Nnaji thanked the party leadership and pledged not to fall short of expectations, promising to build a stronger and more united PDP in the region.

Earlier in a valedictory address, the outgoing National Vice Chairman, Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, reflected on his tenure, highlighting how the party overcame internal crises, litigations, and political pressures to emerge more cohesive. He noted that under his leadership, the PDP successfully conducted ward, local government, and state congresses in key states, restoring stability and confidence among members.

He urged the new leadership to build on the foundation of unity and resilience, emphasizing that sustained commitment and collective effort would position the PDP for electoral victories in the South East and across Nigeria.

Observers at the event described the congress as calm, well-organized, and a strong signal of renewed cohesion within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.