Enugu witnessed a renewed push for political consolidation as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state formally rolled out its electronic membership registration system, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening its grassroots structure and enhancing data-driven engagement ahead of future elections.
The initiative was unveiled during a training session for ward and local government agents, drawing participation from party stakeholders across the state, and signaling a coordinated effort to expand membership and reinforce the party’s presence at the community level.
Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the PDP, Barr. Steve Oruruo, described the e-registration exercise as a deliberate shift from traditional methods of mobilisation to a more structured and measurable system of party growth.
According to him, the process involves over 260 ward representatives, alongside local government coordinators and other party officials, all tasked with ensuring that membership registration is effectively driven across every community in the state.
“This is not just about political activity, it is about building a credible and verifiable membership base. The strength of our party must be reflected in actual numbers, not assumptions,” Oruruo stated.
He emphasised that the success of the initiative will depend largely on the ability of party officials to engage directly with the grassroots, particularly in rural communities where digital literacy remains a challenge.
Oruruo called for aggressive sensitisation and hands-on support, noting that the transition to electronic registration requires intentional guidance to ensure inclusivity.
“What is required is not just coordination, but commitment. We must create accessible pathways for every willing member of our communities to be captured in this process,” he added.
While acknowledging the progress already made, the PDP chairman urged stakeholders to intensify efforts, expressing confidence that the initiative would yield significant results within a short period.
Beyond the registration exercise, the event also provided a platform to address ongoing internal concerns within the party.
Reacting to reports of parallel congresses, Oruruo dismissed such claims as baseless and without legal foundation, insisting that any structures formed outside recognised processes remain invalid.
He referenced a subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, which, according to him, affirmed the suspension of certain party actors and effectively nullified any parallel arrangements.
“You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand. What is being paraded as alternative structures has no legal backing and cannot endure,” he said.
Addressing concerns over potential deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oruruo maintained that the party remains firmly within constitutional and regulatory requirements, dismissing such fears as unfounded.
He described the internal disagreements as manageable and likened them to a temporary dispute, while reiterating his commitment to resolving issues through dialogue, reconciliation, and due process.
At the same time, he affirmed that legal options remain available where necessary, including further judicial clarification at the highest level.
Reasserting his leadership position, Oruruo pointed to an existing court judgment recognising him as the legitimate State Chairman, noting that any leadership change must follow due process through a properly conducted congress.
As the session concluded, the tone remained clear and resolute, the PDP in Enugu State is not only focused on resolving internal challenges but is actively building a more structured, data-driven, and grassroots-oriented political framework.
With the rollout of the e-registration system, the party signaled a transition toward a more organised and measurable model of engagement, one that seeks to align membership strength with political influence and long-term electoral preparedness.
FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA_
