The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have elected Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new state chairman during the party’s state congress held on Saturday.
For several months, speculation had grown over the future direction of the PDP in Delta, following reports that some key figures within the party were considering political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level. Mrakpor’s emergence comes at a time political observers say the party is confronting a critical period in its history in the oil-rich state.
The development had raised concerns among party loyalists about the stability of the PDP, which has remained the dominant political force in Delta State since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Speaking after his election, Mrakpor said the time had come for the party to move beyond internal uncertainty and focus on rebuilding its political structures across the state.
According to him, the party must reconnect with its grassroots support base while providing a clear political direction capable of addressing the concerns of residents.
Mrakpor pointed to rising unemployment among young people, limited investment in human capital development, irregular electricity supply and a declining emphasis on agriculture as key challenges that require urgent attention.
He said the PDP must reposition itself not only as a political platform but also as a vehicle for policy ideas capable of delivering sustainable development.
“The task ahead requires unity, strategic thinking and strong leadership,” he said, adding that the party must prioritise governance reforms, technological advancement and economic inclusion.
Political analysts say Mrakpor’s election could mark the beginning of a rebuilding phase for the PDP in Delta State, as the party seeks to consolidate its structure and maintain its influence ahead of future elections.
The outcome of the congress, observers note, signals the party’s ability to navigate the drama that followed the exit of the entire state EXCO and those elected on the platform of the party.