The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Austin Akobundu on Wednesday urged members of  the fast depleting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain steadfast and hopeful as the party will bounce back as a force to reckon with sooner than later.


"I urge you not to lose hope because of the current imbroglio and upheaval. I see what the party is undergoing right now as self cleansing. We are rebuilding and re-strategizing to be strong again. In no distance time, PDP will bounce back strong, effective, better and unbeatable. We will take up our leadership role again,  the signs are there", the Senator stated in a press release signed by his Media team.


Akobundu is currently the leader of Abia PDP, a position he holds courtesy of his position as the highest elected officer of the party.


The PDP which has ruled the State for 20 years was sent packing in the 2023 General Elections and its ranks and file is fast depleting as chieftains defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the ruling party at the centre.


The latest defections which has demoralised members of the party include the defections of the former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Chinedum Orji.


Orji shot to political limelight courtesy of his father, Senator T A Orji who held sway at the topmost level of the party for 16 years, first as governor for 8 years and as Senator for 8 years. In quick succession, wife of the former governor also shortly followed his son to the APC

 

In a morale boosting message, Akobundu  also commended his followers for keeping faith with him  in the midst of the initial political turbulence, hiccups and bottlenecks.