Let it resonate that nobody, no matter his position, can intimidate PDP in Abia – JOK

A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, has urged the leaders and all members of the party to stand firm as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, stressing that nobody can intimidate the PDP in Abia State.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia, Kalu urged the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party to make it clear to all members that the party is back, stronger, and willing to challenge any opponent regarding the 2027 elections.

The former Commissioner for Information advised that all members of the PDP must ignore what he termed the “noise of war” coming from those currently in power, stressing that they are simply afraid of the capacity the PDP possesses.

Kalu, however, warned that over the years, Abia has been known for peaceful electoral conduct, but cautioned that nobody should assume they have a monopoly on strategy—especially regarding what he described as “unnecessary threats” meant to incite groundless fear.

He stressed that because of its history and several years of experience, the PDP has already chosen the path of peace to win the 2027 elections in Abia, but it is also not afraid of playing the game according to the rules set by the ruling party.

“I also want you to communicate to our party members not to be afraid of the noise of war because the noise of war is not war. Those sounding the noise of war are scared of the PDP. They’re not scared of any other party here in Abia because they know it’s only the PDP that can defeat them and remove them,” Kalu said.

“They know we still have the structure that can win elections with just little effort. Aside from that, I’ve also observed that the government wants to deliberately militarise Abia State. The language the governor is using, like ‘write your will’, is something we’re not familiar with here, but we’re equally not intimidated by such because intimidation doesn’t move us.

“A certain deputy chairman talked about dead bodies. Just recently, the chairman of another LGA threatened this and that. Currently, threats are flying in from all angles. Well, all they’re doing is to cause fear, but we’re not buying it.”

Kalu said that as a responsible political party, Abia had held elections while the PDP was in power without anyone losing their life, and wondered why unnecessary threats should be flying around now that those who claimed to be better are in charge.

“If those in power now want to change the narrative and try using intimidations, somebody should remind them that inasmuch as we’re a party of Okezie Ikpeazu that loves to give everyone peace no matter what they throw at him, we’re also the party of Ezenwo Nyesom Wike that’s ready to give it to anyone the way he or she likes to play.

“Therefore, if they want peace, we’ll give them peace, but if they try to intimidate us, we’ll resist them. We actually prefer peace; let me remind them of that, but nobody can intimidate the PDP because we’ll resist them.

“We’ll never introduce violence, we’ll never introduce intimidation, but anyone who thinks that intimidation will make us run away should better rethink because we’ll resist all forms of intimidation because this is our land and nobody can make us panic while standing on the soil of Abia.”

He pleaded with the SWC to take charge and reach out to those who had left, stressing: “Don’t blame them for leaving. They all thought that there’s somewhere better, but it’s clearer now.”

Kalu, who also served as a Commissioner for Trade and Investment, said that he knows the capacity within the party and that he had come to urge the SWC to exercise 그 capacity.

He reiterated: “However they want it, we’ll give it to them. Let the message resonate that we’re back and ready.”

Speaking further, he said: “I understand that the governor is afraid of his second tenure, but that’s not enough reason for someone to start threatening others to write their will.

“We’ve also learnt that some are saying blood will flow and all sorts of unfortunate rhetoric. So, I want to say thank you for holding strong despite the temptations and childish intimidations. I believe in this party, and I believe that the PDP has the ability and structures to engage and win. All we need is to get our people together.”

Meanwhile, Elder Abraham Amah, the PDP Chairman, thanked Chief Kalu and appreciated his visit, stressing that it had further strengthened them to know that the party remains a priority for its major chieftains.

“PDP is a party that’s visible in most families here, polling units, wards and local governments. We thank you for everything that has happened. We appreciate you, and we expect this type of visit from every critical stakeholder. You’ve shown that you’re a party man with a good conscience. Thank you.”

The Abia State PDP Women Leader, Mrs Fidelia Ukejianya, thanked the former Commissioner for coming to show solidarity with the State Working Committee and assured him that all his advice would be strictly followed.