Dr. Michael Tidi, immediate past Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, has been adopted as the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Warri South following a high-level strategic meeting of party loyalists in the area.
Addressing party faithful during the meeting, Dr. Tidi emphasized the need to rebuild and strengthen the PDP from the grassroots, particularly in light of recent defections by top government officials. He described the meeting as a gathering of men and women of integrity determined to reclaim the party’s relevance in Delta State politics.
“A good number of those claiming to believe in the so-called coalition are not truly committed,” Tidi said. “Yes, we believe the APC-led government must be voted out due to the untold suffering it has caused Nigerians. But if there is any party capable of rescuing this nation, it is the PDP.”
Dr. Tidi, who has been resident in Abuja, said he had returned home to Warri South to re-engage politically from his base, declaring that “Abuja has no polling unit for me.” He called on other indigenes to do the same and commit to grassroots mobilization for the PDP.
He lauded the resilience of a particular unnamed party faithful who, despite pressure, refused to defect and instead began the process of “headhunting” for loyal PDP members across Delta State LGAs.
Tidi noted that the headhunting initiative is now being fully implemented in Warri South, with a focus on recruiting committed individuals of character.
Tidi expressed delight at the turnout for the meeting, saying he had initially planned for 30 attendees, but the number far exceeded expectations.
He stressed that the party is not seeking numbers for show but is focused on quality and loyalty.
“During this headhunting process, we discovered that most of those who defected along with the governor and former governor were mere appointees who benefited from government patronage. They are in the minority,” he stated.
Reaffirming PDP’s unity and internal stability, Tidi dismissed claims that the party was fragmented, noting that issues such as the controversy over the national secretary position have been resolved.
He accused defectors of using internal disagreements as a smokescreen to pursue personal ambitions.
He explained that the party structure in Delta State, recently dissolved, will soon be replaced by a Transition Committee comprising a chairman, a secretary, and one coordinator per local government area. These coordinators, he said, will spearhead the ongoing headhunting exercise in preparation for a congress to will elect new state and LGA executives.
Tidi cautioned against internal wrangling over positions, urging party members to focus instead on rebuilding and organizing the PDP from the ward level upwards.
“In my ward, we already have a mini structure. We are taking names and phone numbers of active members in preparation for the congress. This is what the APC is doing—they’re updating their registers. We must do the same,” he said.
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He added by calling for discipline, unity, and commitment to the PDP’s core ideals, assuring members that the party remains a formidable force in Delta politics.
“Let’s take our destiny into our own hands. Let’s strengthen the PDP from the grassroots. Let’s stay organized, and let’s stay loyal,” Tidi urged.
The meeting ended with renewed enthusiasm among PDP members in Warri South, signaling a fresh chapter of grassroots mobilization and internal party reforms.
Notable leaders from across Warri South in attendance included Prince Alfred Atigolo, Sir Emmanuel Abigor, Chief Dickson Ebirenfoju, Deacon Ejiro Ibuakevwe, Sola Ojumude, Temisan Nosa Owei, Solomon Pessu, and Otomi Atiri.Others 9 were stakeholders from Warri South-West, Warri North, and Udu LGAs—including Chief Edwin Olley, Deacon Amus Boyo, and Chief Lucky Delekpe—who pledged to mirror similar engagement efforts in their respective localities.
The gathering also brought together notable PDP leadership and support base like former legislative head of Warri South, Hon. Chief Sylvester Ijabor, a full delegation from Edjeba Ward, influential women leaders like Hon. Mrs. Akonte Ewowo, Madam Kongbemi Erewa, and Mrs. Iwere, and traditional figures such as the Chief Priest of Omadino Community, also pioneer Obodo/Omadino ward chairman Hon. Roland Yomere.
Also represented were non-indigene communities and market unions, further reinforcing the PDP’s inclusive and multi-ethnic strength across the Warri axis.
A key highlight of the event was the unanimous vote of confidence in Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, the Acting South-South Chairman of the PDP, in recognition of his stabilizing leadership of the party in Delta State following the defection of the governor and his predecessor.
