A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said that despite perceptions that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in crisis and may not recover before the 2027 general elections, the “ghost” of the party remains stronger than most other political parties in Nigeria.

He therefore called on all aggrieved factions within the PDP to sheathe their swords and await the outcome of the reconciliation committee led by a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Ikpeazu expressed the views during a South East PDP stakeholders’ meeting, where he emphasized the need for unity among party leaders in the region.

“Even in what some may be called its weakest moment, the ghost of the PDP is stronger than most political parties in this country. That’s why we must be careful not to destroy what we have built over the years. We should close ranks, respect constituted authority, and allow peace to reign,” Ikpeazu said.

Arise News reports that the Saraki-led reconciliation committee was constituted by serving and former PDP Governors to foster peace and ensure a rancour-free National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Convention.

Ikpeazu also appealed to aggrieved members of the PDP in the South East to allow the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to remain in office until the expiration of his tenure in December.

“Is there anything we have asked Senator Anyanwu to do as the National Secretary of the PDP in the South East that he has not done? I want to appeal to our leaders in the zone to allow him to finish his tenure, which ends in December. We must not allow ourselves to be distracted as a party, no matter the provocation”, the former Governor said.

He expressed concern over the actions of some party leaders in the zone who, according to him, have chosen to disregard the Supreme Court judgment affirming Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary of the party.

Ikpeazu warned that such actions could further destabilize the PDP in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor called on all stakeholders in the South East to prioritize unity, close ranks, and work collectively to ensure victory for the PDP in 2027.