{
  "id": 17320161,
  "title": "Ndigbo and PDP: Blast of Truth from 1999 and 2023",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/ndigbo-and-pdp-blast-of-truth-from-1999-and-2023",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T01:06:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/31/ndigbo-and-pdp-blast-of-truth-from-1999-and-2023/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In February 1999, Dr. Alex Ekwueme's presidential campaign team convened the PDP National Convention in Jos. As Media Strategy Manager for Dr. Ekwueme, Ernie Onwumere was present during these crucial events. The convention took place in a context where the military had already decided on Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as their successor. The statistics at the primary election painted a clear picture of the race: Obasanjo received the most votes (1,658), followed by Dr. Ekwueme (521), Alhaji Abubakar Rimi (195), Jim Nwobodo (47), Francis Ellah (16), Don Etiebet (11), and Olabode Olajumoke (5). Despite the overwhelming support for Obasanjo, he ultimately lost the election to the Alliance for Democracy, leading to his defeat in all local and federal contests.\n\nThe truth behind the convention speeches was that Jim Nwobodo spoke in Hausa to garner his own support, not to attack Dr. Ekwueme or any other candidate. This misconception, perpetuated by some, is a malicious fabrication that damages the integrity of the story. The real culprits for the South East's disappointment are the PDP leaders who, 25 years later, betrayed the region's expectations by abandoning the zoning system that had been agreed upon and promised to them. The South East had given the party their loyalty, but in return, they were left with nothing. The situation was not a defeat, but an injustice that could have been avoided if the party had acted with integrity.",
  "summary": "Ernie Onwumere It is commonly asserted in elite public discourse that opinion is free, but facts are sacred. This piece is the expression of an opinion anchored on the sanctity",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}