Abia PDP Hits Back at Ude Oko Chukwu, Calls Resignation ‘Good Riddance’

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted sharply to the resignation of the state’s former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, dismissing his departure as a welcome development rather than a setback.
In a statement signed by the state party chairman, Abraham Amah, the PDP described the exit as “liberation” and “purgation,” insisting that Chukwu’s absence would have no negative impact on the party. The statement was unusually blunt, referring to the former deputy governor’s departure as “good riddance to bad rubbish.”

Amah accused Chukwu of benefiting immensely from the party for two decades without leaving a tangible legacy behind. “Here was a man who, for 20 long years, occupied prime positions of power under the benevolence of the PDP — 12 years in the Abia State House of Assembly, including four years as Speaker, and eight years as Deputy Governor. Yet, there is nothing to show for it,” Amah declared.

Ude Oko Chukwu Record Under Fire by PDP leadership

The PDP leadership further alleged that Chukwu’s stewardship as manager of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for eight years was a failure, claiming that the state’s finances worsened under his watch. The party said no traceable infrastructure, economic transformation, or community development could be linked to his tenure.

Specifically, the statement painted a bleak picture of Chukwu’s home local government, Ohafia, describing it as “a barren land of wasted years.” It accused him of leaving residents without water, electricity, empowerment, or political legacy. “His people remain in darkness, both literally and politically, while he basked in the comfort of Government House,” the PDP asserted.

The party concluded that Chukwu was “fleeing from the consequences of his political irrelevance,” urging its members to view his resignation as a cleansing moment for the party.

The Resignation Letter and Timing

In his resignation letter dated August 5, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of his ward, Ndi Elu Ward, Nkporo, Ohafia LGA, Chukwu described the decision as difficult but necessary. “It is the best course of action for me at this time. I am most grateful for the opportunities the party availed me to serve at various levels,” he wrote.

The announcement came just days after Chukwu was spotted visiting Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Umuahia. The meeting has fueled speculation of a possible political realignment, particularly given Governor Otti’s Labour Party leadership and the PDP’s recent losses in Abia State.

Although Chukwu did not disclose his next political move, the proximity of his resignation to the visit has raised eyebrows in political circles. Many analysts believe the development could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political balance ahead of the 2027 elections.

From PDP Pillar to Political Target

Ude Oko Chukwu has been a towering figure in Abia politics for over two decades. A Chartered Accountant by profession, he rose to prominence as a member of the Abia State House of Assembly, eventually becoming Speaker. His tenure as Deputy Governor from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu solidified his influence, particularly in Abia North.

Supporters often hailed him as a grassroots mobilizer and political stabilizer within the PDP, but critics — now including his former party leadership — argue that he failed to translate political power into concrete development. The PDP’s scathing statement suggests a complete breakdown in relations between Chukwu and the party hierarchy.

Political watchers say his next political destination could dramatically reshape Abia’s opposition landscape, especially if he aligns with the ruling Labour Party.

Implications for Abia’s Political Landscape

Chukwu’s resignation adds to the growing list of high-profile defections from the PDP in Abia State since its loss of the governorship in 2023. The party’s internal divisions have deepened, with some members reportedly exploring alliances with rival parties.

For Governor Otti, any political alliance with Chukwu would bolster his reach in Abia North, where the former deputy governor commands significant influence. For the PDP, however, the loss — though publicly downplayed — could weaken its grassroots network in key constituencies.

Observers believe that Chukwu’s political moves in the coming months will determine whether his departure triggers a domino effect within the PDP or remains an isolated event. As one analyst put it, “In Abia politics, alliances can change overnight, but defections like this rarely happen without a bigger plan.”