Ogalla, at PDP Conference, calls for grassroots consolidation, says local executives engine of ‘our political movement’

Ogalla, at PDP Conference, calls for grassroots consolidation, says local executives engine of ‘our political movement’

• Empowered executives drive party growth – Agbo

From Felix Oguejiofor Abugu, Enugu-Ezike

The Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, Engr. Michael Uchenna Ogalla, has called on all party faithful to accord grassroots executives their due as the engine of the organization, management and electoral successes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the LGA in particular, and Enugu State as a whole.

In his address at the Igbo-Eze North PDP Maiden Conference 2025, which was held on Thursday, June 19, at the Local Government Pavilion, Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, under the theme ‘Empowering Grassroots Party Executives For Strategic And Sustainable Leadership’, Hon. Ogalla noted that the strength of the PDP, indeed any political party for that matter, “lies not only in its national structure but also in its roots in every ward, every polling unit, every committed party executive and every faithful working silently and tirelessly at the grassroots.”

This is even as a former Secretary to the Enugu State Government and chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, Arch Innocent Agbo also described the ward as the “engine house from where most political activities kick-start and progress to the nation al level”, even though the “ward is the smallest unit.’

Both Ogalla and Agbo (who is also a one-time Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA) spoke before a capacity audience comprising the Secretary to the Government of Enugu State, Professor Chidiebere Onyia (who was the keynote speaker),  party leaders, former and serving legislators, commissioners as well as traditional rulers, among others.

Specifically, those who graced the conference with their “august” presence included: Enugu State Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike; Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters and founding Member of the PDP in Enugu State, Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo; a former SSG to Enugu State Government, Dr. Dan Shere; a former Enugu SSG and former PDP National Auditor, who was also the Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Arch Innocent Agbo; Chief Whip Enugu State House of Assembly and Member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency 1, Hon. Ejike Jude Eze and Member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency II and Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Clifford Obe.

Others were former local government Chairman, Igbo-Eze North and State financial Secretary of the PDP, Engr. Ejike Williams Itodo; former Igbo-Eze North Local Government chairmen, Nze Chidi Nwomeh and Dr. Emeka Ukwuaba; former Member Enugu State House of Assembly and former PDP Zonal Chairman, Enugu North, Rt. Hon. Mike Onyeze; Secretary to the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area (SLG), Mr. Onyekachi Eya; PDP Women Leader, Enugu North Zone, Hon. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ezeja; PDP ward chairmen in the 20 wards of Igbo-Eze North, Councillors; Leader, Igbo-Eze North Legislative Council, Hon. Celestine Ali Omeke and other councilors, HRH Igwe Chidi Abugu, Chinyereeze 1 of Umuokoro Autonomous Community and Royal Father of the Day, among many others.

Welcoming the participants to “this historic gathering of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), here in our local government area,” Ogalla described the Maiden PDP conference as a step in the right direction, as a recognition of the important role political party leadership at the grassroots plays in the life of a political party, noting that the participants had all gathered as “believers in a vision of transformation, inclusion, and purposeful leadership embedded in justice, equity, transparency and accountability (JETA).”

“We are certain that the strength of the root, and more importantly the taproot, predicts the performance of a tree. You are here today because you have been considered as part of the root system of the PDP in Igbo-Eze North LGA,” Ogalla philosophized.

Ogalla stressed the importance of grassroots in the organization and sustainability of a political party, pointing out that there cannot be any talk about winning elections, implementing policies or leading with purpose without first acknowledging and strengthening those who are the engine of every political movement – the grassroots.

“It is at the grassroots that trust is built; it is at the grassroots that people feel our presence or our absence. And it is at the grassroots that the journey to victory begins,” the Igbo-Eze North Council boss said.

“Deeply honoured to welcome the (participants) to the ‘historic’ conference,” Ogalla assured that as the Igbo-Eze North Council boss, he would continue to prioritize collaboration, transparency and capacity-building at every level of the political structure, noting that “the days of leaving our grassroots leaders behind are over as we will rise together, or fall together  (going forward).”

Accordingly, Ogalla argued that empowering the grassroots executives means more of giving them inspiration than instructions; giving them tools, training, opportunities and, most importantly, a voice in the decision-making process.

“It means we must invest in leadership that is strategic, accountable and community-driven. It also means recognizing that sustainable leadership is not about position but about impact that outlives us and echoes through the communities we serve,” the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Chairman stressed.

Stating that the responsibilities of both the local government and state party leadership to the grassroots party executives are clear, Ogalla identified them to include training and retraining ward chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders and coordinators, on effective political organizing and inclusive governance.

They also include “to build a system that rewards loyalty, competence and performance, not favouritism or sentiments; to maintain unity, promote internal democracy and ensure that our party remains people-oriented at all levels (and) to prepare ourselves not just for elections but also for governance (as) governance reflects on the true values of the PDP: justice, equity, service and progress.”

Ogalla, thus, called on the PDP faithful to use the opportunity of the conference not only to share ideas but also to forge “new bonds of cooperation, set clear action plans, and commit ourselves to the rebirth of a stronger, more responsive PDP starting right here in our local government.”

Empowered Executives Drive Party Growth…

In his opening remarks, Agbo, who spoke to the theme of the conference, ‘Empowering Grassroots Party Executives For Strategic and Sustainable Leadership’, emphasized that empowering grassroots party executives “is crucial for effective leadership and sustainable development.”

“They play a vital role in party growth and development. They are the backbone of our party structure, responsible for mobilizing support, resolving conflicts, driving initiatives and accounting to party members,” Agbo explained.

According to the former PDP National Auditor, by equipping grassroots executives with strategic skills, conflict management techniques, entrepreneurial insights and health wellness knowledge, “we can foster a strong and cohesive leadership base as well as prepare them for future higher leadership roles.”

“Let’s (therefore) work together to provide them with the necessary tools and support,” Arch Agbo added.

“You may note further that if we choose to go this route, we would have succeeded in the following outcomes: 1) Empowered executives drive party growth 2) Strategic leadership ensures sustainability 3) Conflict management fosters cohesion 4) Entrepreneurial skills promote innovation and 5) Health wellness supports optimal performance.

“Therefore, as a Party man, I humbly suggest that we prioritize our grassroots executives for a stronger and more effective Party.”