With the conclusion of the PDP Congresses kicked off on 29th October, 2010 with ward congress, the election of the state PDP Executives today at the Grasshopper International Stadium produced Barr. Eze Duruiheoma [SAN] as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], Imo state chapter. Other executive members include the Vice Chairman, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo, Secretary George Egu, Legal Adviser Chief C.O.C. Akolisa, Chief Magnus Chilaka Treasurer, Mrs Nkechi Mbonu women leader amongst other positions.

Over 1200 delegates were drawn from the 27 LGAs and 305 INEC wards of the state. The voting which started by 9.25 am was preceded by the accreditation of the delegates by the PDP National officers. The election of the PDP executive was witnessed by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Selina Okoh [OON] who acknowledged that the process is in tune with INEC guidelines. Speaking after casting his votes at the election, the Imo state governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim reiterated the need to take power back to the people. He adduced that the one man one vote mantra must be domesticated within the milieu of Nigeria democracy. The governor debunked the alleged newspaper report that an injunction has been secured against today’s election. He disclosed that the elections had the complete backing of the National headquarters of the PDP.

Expressing his happiness on the peaceful and non-violence nature of the elections, he said it was attributed to the leadership of Okwesilieze Nwodo who had mapped out viable strategy for a peaceful exco elections.

In his contribution, Senator Osita Izunaso agreed that the Congress being concluded today has been free and fair. According to him, all the stakeholders required by law for the congress were present. He mentioned the PDP 10 – man committee led by Mallam Adamu Mustapha, the security agencies amongst others.

An observer, Hon Cletus Okpaleke, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy opined that the congress was an attestation that democracy has come down to the grassroots. By this reasoning, the majority of the people came to determine their leader adding that anybody that abstained from election has no followship.

Speaking also Chief Hope Uzodinma, a BoT member of PDP expressed confidence in the process. He expressed hope that the transparent election will produce credible executive as well as ensure the party’s performance in the upcoming elections. Commenting on the orderly manner in which the delegates cast their votes, the leader of the 10 – man Committee from PDP Headquarters, Abuja, Mallam Adamu Mustapha said that his committee was in the state to organise and supervise all the congresses.

He was happy that there were no records of violence or rancour in all the exercise. Speaking also, the Ezinihittee Mbaise LG Chairman, Chief Chinemerem Madu noted that the elections today will stabilize PDP as well as make room for greater progress.  He however stated that from now on, any individual who goes contrary to the party’s dictum will face disciplinary actions as stipulated in the party’s constitution.Highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the new Exco by Barr. Olisa Metu, South East Zonal PDP chairman.