By Chimdiogo Amuh 

Enugu - The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State took a decisive turn on Friday as Barr. Steve Oruruo reaffirmed that a subsisting court judgment and the explicit provisions of the PDP Constitution have settled, beyond contention, the question of who leads the state chapter.

Speaking during a press briefing attended by AnchorNews, Oruruo disclosed that the judgment contained in Suit No. E/1267/2025 of the Enugu State High Court explicitly affirmed him as the lawful Chairman of the Enugu PDP, alongside Hon. Martins Onyeanwa Ugwuamadi-Eze as the substantive Secretary. He explained that the ruling, anchored on Sections 45(2–4) and 47(6) of the PDP Constitution, clearly stipulates that upon the resignation or removal of a state chairman, the deputy chairman automatically assumes office.

According to him, the order was duly served on the PDP National Secretariat through the immediate past Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, compelling the national leadership to recognise the state executive as constituted. He added that the court also restrained the National Executive Committee from appointing any other persons into the offices of chairman or secretary and mandated the former officeholders to hand over all party property and documents - an instruction they have complied with.

Oruruo said the press briefing had become necessary due to the “increasing volume of discordant tunes” within the party at different levels. He condemned the motion moved at the Ibadan Convention to dissolve the Enugu State Executive Committee, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct affront to the court’s ruling. He argued that the action was further undermined by the fact that the same officials purportedly dissolved were accredited and allowed to vote during the convention.

He insisted that the attempted dissolution is void and amounts to contempt of court, stating: “Whoever purportedly dissolved the Executive Committee of the Enugu PDP is in clear contravention of the law and in contempt of an Order of Court.”

Reaffirming his authority, Oruruo declared: “Make no mistake about this; I am both the de facto and de jure State Chairman of Enugu State PDP and no fairytale can distort this fact.” He maintained that his leadership is grounded in constitutional succession, judicial pronouncement, and the PDP state congress held on August 31, 2024.

He also dismissed reports of a newly assembled “state committee,” describing it as an illegitimate gathering of questionable elements attempting to destabilize the PDP in Enugu. He warned that such acts reflect a broader pattern of impunity and pose what he called a “colossal national liability.”

During the question-and-answer segment, Oruruo clarified that he approached the court to secure legal protection after attempts were made to hijack his mandate. He emphasized his loyalty to the PDP, insisting he does not lead a faction but a reconciled and legitimate structure of the party. He dismissed allegations of being a government stooge as baseless, pointing to his long years of sacrifice and service to the PDP. He further urged security agencies to remain vigilant and prevent any escalation of violence.

Issuing a stern warning, he stated that anyone parading themselves as chairman or secretary of the PDP in Enugu is acting in contempt of Suit No. E/1267/2025 and will face the consequences through contempt proceedings. He called on members and supporters to remain alert, insisting that the court-backed leadership must be respected and that the party cannot afford further internal sabotage.