The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has dismissed reports of factionalization within its ranks, with State Publicity Secretary Lancelot Obiaku declaring that Austine Nwachukwu remains the only legitimate chairman of the party in the state.

Speaking to journalists at the party's secretariat in Owerri, Obiaku urged party members, particularly those aligned with the Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere-led group, to avoid actions that could weaken the party's position as a credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Imo State.

"As you all know, on July 27, 2024, in accordance with the timetable approved by the National Working Committee of the party, the Imo State Chapter of the PDP held its ward congress," Obiaku explained. "This was followed by the LGA congress on August 10, 2024, and subsequently the State Congress on August 31, 2024, which produced the State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee."

The publicity secretary emphasized that all elections were conducted transparently and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), media, and security agencies. He insisted that no parallel congresses were held at any level, and the congresses remain unchallenged in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Obiaku expressed surprise at the emergence of a purported alternative leadership on April 28, 2025, describing it as an attempt to distract the party from its role of holding the ruling party accountable.

"There is no way an individual can stay in his house, convey a meeting with his friends, and announce that an interim leadership has emerged," he stated, reaffirming that the party remains united under Nwachukwu's chairmanship with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as its leader.

PDP Criticizes Imo State Government

Taking aim at Governor Hope Uzodinma's administration, Obiaku alleged that the state had received N162 billion in local government allocations over the past 16 months without visible impact in council areas, which he claimed are struggling with poor infrastructure.

"As a responsible party, we will continue to keep the present administration on its toes. This is beyond politics," Obiaku declared. "We owe ourselves the duty to fight for the common good of the vast majority of Imo people who are yearning for good governance, which the present Hope Uzodinma administration has failed to offer."

The PDP spokesperson further claimed that the Uzodinma administration is currently operating without a Chief Judge and Attorney General while also facing challenges with civil service salary structures.

Obiaku expressed confidence that the PDP is positioning itself to provide an alternative government in the 2027 elections, stating that under its current leadership, the party has implemented reforms to reassure members and the public that it remains a platform where genuine aspirations can thrive without imposition or impunity.