A new phase which would point the future direction of the PDP may have opened in Rivers State, following the emergence of Ambassador Akawor as the new State Party Chairman .
Akawor, a foundation member of the PDP emerged State,Chairman in what could obviously pass as a confidence vote cast at the weekend by approximately 3000 delegates.
The Onyigbo born politician and administrator replaces the two-term chairman of the party, Bro Felix Obuah who is rumoured to have an eye on the governorship ticket.
Other key officials elected as part of the new executive were Aaron Chukwuemeka, State Vice Chairman; Dr. Benibo George, State Party Secretary; Omodu Isaiah, State Assistant Secretary; Barrister Blessing Amadi, State Treasurer and Shedrach Chukwu, State Financial Secretary,
Governor Nyesom Wike who midwived the entire thing said at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, venue of the congress, that iRivers State is the first PDP state in Nigeria to conclude her ward, local government and state congresses despite the threat of the coronavirus.
He expressed satisfaction that the exercise was not characterized by bloodshed, internal wrangling and unnecessary Court actions by party members.
It was a jab at the leadership of the APC and what has emerged as proof of the level of indiscipline that is associated with its members.
The Governor spoke highly of the outgoing chairman, describing him as a resolute and determined leader who stood his ground.
According to Wike, Obuah “never wavered one day, never sabotaged government and the programmes of party”.
He hoped that Akawor would follow the footstep of his predecessor and expressed confidence that he would work for the unity and progress of the party.
The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus described the exercise as free and fair.
Secondus urged electoral reform in the country, claiming “it is becoming increasingly impossible to conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria”.
The outgoing PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, acknowledged he served two terms in office.
He recalled that under his watch, the PDP secured victory at the polls in 2015 and again in 2019, adding that he was proud of the party’s accomplishments within the period.