The scheduled state congress of the Anambra state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at two different locations in Awka, Anambra State on Tuesday.
The commotion produced two parallel sets of executives.
The confusion apparently started from the beginning when the party broke into two groups.
According to the members of the Congress committee sent by the national headquarters led by Alhaji Abubakar Mallam, the Shettima of Gwandu:
“When we arrived and couldn’t see the state congress chairman.
“We went ahead to conduct both ward and local government congresses.”
This, he went on, now made him to head the committee.
Incidentally, Edun later showed up in another location in the state, where another parallel congress held.
Mallam noted that, “We have submitted the results of the congresses to our national office and the have accepted them.
“Up to now I have not seen the purported state chairman of the congress committee.
“If I see him today, I can’t recognise him. And we can’t continue to wait for him.
“That’s why we went ahead to conduct the state congress.
“It’s left to our national leadership to take final decision on the issue.
“But I can assure us that we are on the side of the law.
“Because when we arrived the state we met with the Administrative Secretary in the state and the state executive committee as directed by our party guidelines and that we did.
Ladi Edun for his part, claimed to be the legitimate congress committee posted to the state to conduct the congresses.
“We have our appointment letters and we have executed the job we were sent to do.”
The incumbent state chairman, Chief Ejike Oguebego was re-elected by the faction loyal to the Chief Chris Uba, Senator Annie Okonkwo and Prince John Emeka.
These held their own congress at the Emmaus House premises in Awka.
While the other group loyal to Senators Andy Uba and Stella Oduah elected Prince Ken Emeakayi as its state chairman.
The Anambra state congress committee chairman, Mr Ladi Edun conducted the congress that elected Emeakayi.
Meanwhile, the congress committee led by Alhaji Abubakar Mallam conducted the congress that elected Oguebego.
Alhaji Mallam said he assumed the jurisdiction to conduct the congresses in the state following the non-availability of Mr Edun in the state.
Both of the ex-cos in their acceptance speeches pledged to work towards rebuilding and strengthening the party to be able to face future political challenges very effectively.
Oguebego, at his inauguration yesterday at the party’s state secretariat, commended the members for their patience, understanding and perseverance.
From Chuks Collins, Awka