By Ella Michaels
A crisis of confidence has engulfed the Imo State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) following the party's congresses last weekend. The congresses, intended to elect new party officials for the next four years, have instead sparked a bitter rift between two prominent party members, Senator Sam Daddy Anyanwu and Hon Jones Onyeriri.
The congresses, held at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex in Owerri, saw Hon Austin Nwachukwu emerge as the new Chairman. However, the conduct and outcome of the elections have raised eyebrows, particularly among Onyeriri's supporters, who feel marginalized and excluded from the new executive committee.
Anyanwu and Onyeriri, who contested the last governorship election in Imo State as PDP candidates, have seen their relationship deteriorate rapidly since the congresses. Onyeriri's camp is displeased with the outcome, as none of their members secured choice positions in the new executive committee. The situation was further complicated by Onyeriri's absence from the congresses, as he was sent to Rivers State to supervise the party's congresses there.
The fallout has created a cold war between the two camps, with Onyeriri's supporters feeling abandoned and ignored. The new executive committee, dominated by Anyanwu's loyalists, has exacerbated the situation. Onyeriri's camp has yet to congratulate the new executives, and their members are keeping a distance from party activities.
This development has raised concerns about the party's unity and prospects in future elections. The PDP, once a dominant force in Imo State, now faces an internal crisis that threatens to undermine its chances.
