2027: PDP on stronger footing, well positioned to compete

By Dickson Okafor

Chief Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna is a seasoned technocrat, with eight years experience as a capital gains and inheritance tax specialist coupled with 30 years under his belt, successfully operating as an entrepreneur. He is also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is now in resurgence after its national and South-East Zonal conventions.

Ikunna is seeking to represent Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives.

In this interview he talks about the ongoing return of the PDP to national reckoning as the country marches towards the 2027 elections.

How do you evaluate the overall outcome of the PDP zonal congress in the South-East and the National Convention held recently?

The South-East PDP Zonal Congress and the National Convention held in Abuja were successful and timely exercises that have further strengthened the unity and structure of our great party. Both events were conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner. With strong participation from party leaders and delegates, the outcomes clearly reflect a broad consensus among stakeholders and demonstrate the party’s commitment to internal cohesion, stability, and preparedness for the tasks ahead. As with any large political process, there may be differing views from some quarters, which is natural in a vibrant democratic party like the PDP. However, what is most important is that the exercises were largely transparent, widely accepted, and have positioned the party for greater inclusiveness and effectiveness going forward. Overall, the congress and convention have reinforced confidence in the PDP’s internal processes and leadership, while sending a strong signal of unity and readiness to Nigerians.

Given reports of factional disagreements, what concrete steps is the PDP leadership taking to ensure unity and prevent post-congress fallout within the party?

The leadership of the PDP is fully aware that in a large and vibrant democratic party, differing interests and perspectives are inevitable, especially after major exercises like congresses and conventions. What is important, however, is the deliberate and ongoing effort to strengthen unity and manage these differences constructively. Concrete steps are already being taken in that direction. The party leadership has intensified consultations and reconciliation efforts across all levels, engaging key stakeholders, leaders, and aggrieved members to ensure that no one feels excluded. There is also a renewed emphasis on internal dialogue, inclusiveness and respect for established party structure. In addition, mechanisms for conflict resolution within the party are being actively utilized to address concerns in a timely and fair manner. The leadership has continued to stress discipline, loyalty, and the collective interest of the party above individual ambitions. Overall, the focus is on consolidation, building on the successes of the congress and convention, while fostering unity, strengthening trust, and ensuring that the PDP remains cohesive, focused, and ready to deliver on its mandate to Nigerians.

Do the outcomes of the congresses indicate a strengthening or weakening of the PDP’s grassroots structure across Imo State?

The outcomes of the congresses point clearly to a strengthening of the PDP’s grassroots structure across Imo State, and in fact, in all 36 states of the federation and the FCT. What we have seen is renewed engagement at the ward and local government levels, with party members actively participating in the process and reaffirming their commitment to the PDP. The successful conduct of the congresses has helped to re-energize the base, build local structures, and reconnect leadership with the grassroots stakeholders. Importantly, the emergence of representatives through these processes has reinforced a sense of ownership among members, which is critical for mobilization and party growth. It has also provided an opportunity to harmonise interests and bring more people into the fold under a common purpose. Overall, rather than weakening the structure, the congresses have served as a unifying exercise that strengthens the PDP’s presence and readiness at the grassroots level across Imo State and all other states.

Based on the congress results, how prepared is the PDP to compete effectively in the 2027 general elections, especially in reclaiming lost ground?

The PDP is clearly on a stronger footing and increasingly well positioned to compete effectively in the 2027 general elections, including reclaiming lost ground. The congresses have helped to consolidate party structures, energise the grassroots, and reinforce unity among the stakeholders. With functional leadership now in place across various levels, the party is better organized for mobilization, voter engagement, and strategic planning ahead of 2027. Beyond structure, there is a renewed sense of purpose within the party. The lessons from previous electoral cycles are being taken seriously, and there is a clear commitment to strengthening internal cohesion, improving coordination, and presenting credible leadership options of the electorate. Reclaiming lost ground is not just an aspiration. It is a process that has already begun through rebuilding trust at the grassroots and re-engaging supporters across communities. With sustained unity, discipline, and strategic focus, the PDP is well prepared to offer a strong and competitive platform in 2027.

Some critics argue that internal processes in the PDP lack transparency. How do you respond to concerns that the congress outcomes may affect public trust in the party?

Concerns about transparency are understandable in any large democratic organization, especially one as broad and competitive as the PDP. However, it is important to note that the party’s internal processes are guided by established rules, clear procedures, and oversight mechanisms designed to ensure credibility and fairness. The recent congresses were conducted within this framework, with active participation from delegates and stakeholders across different levels. The outcomes reflect a collective process that prioritises consensus, inclusiveness, and the overall stability of the party. It is also worth emphasizing that public trust is built not only on isolated perceptions but on consistency over time.

As an aspirant for the House of Representatives in 2027, how will the outcomes of the congresses shape your political strategy, and what unique value do you intend to bring to your constituency under the PDP platform?

The outcomes of the congresses have provided a clearer and more stable platform for engagement within the party, which is important for anyone aspiring to serve. It has strengthened the party structure and reaffirmed the importance of unity, discipline, and grassroots connection. Principles that guide my approach going forward in terms of strategy, my focus will be on deepening engagement with stakeholders across all levels, party leaders, party members, and especially the grassroots while aligning closely with the broader vision and direction of the PDP. To me, a strong party structure is essential, and I intend to work within that framework to build consensus, foster inclusiveness, and ensure effective mobilization. As for the value I intend to bring, my commitment is to be responsive, people-centred representation. Also, I will focus on practical issues through sponsoring bills and moving motions that affect everyday lives of constituents that will enable them to gain access to opportunities, attract infrastructure that impacts on the lives of all. To curb the power supply challenge, I will add to the 229 solar street lights I installed in Uzinaumu, and almost another 500 solar lights I am about to install in Etiti Mgbidi. My agenda if elected include youth empowerment and constituency development as my goal is to ensure that our constituency did not only have a voice at the national level, but also benefits meaningfully from that representation. Again, my aspiration is to contribute to strengthening the PDP’s presence at the grassroots while delivering tangible results that will reflect the trust and confidence of the people, to hit the ground running. I have put a team together of experienced people that will work with me in the National Assembly if elected to ensure that nothing passes our Federal Constituency by. More importantly, the team is made up of people who have previously worked in the National Assembly as clerks, administrators and civil servants who know their way around. They include lawyers, economists, and experienced lobbyists. This has become necessary because I fully understand the constraints many first timers face as they spend their first four years learning the ropes. And by the time they complete their tenure they have little or nothing to show for it. It is usually not their fault as many of them lack business management and productivity skills, unlike me, who is properly educated from both Nigeria and England. I’m a trained long-term strategic planner, a critical thinker and in game theory. Apart from my first eight years as a capital gains and inheritance tax specialist, I have also spent the past 30 years as an innovative entrepreneur, running vast businesses across the country, creating vital employment for thousands of people. So, like I said earlier, my team will hit the ground running on day one, in the realisation that a new broom sweeps well, and that we are accountable to the people. I am 100 per cent ready to shock the system.