At the just concluded retreat for newly elected party officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu charged members of the opposition party to actively engage contacts and mobilization as ‘effective instruments for political action and social rehabilitation’.
In a 62-page presentation titled, CONTACTS AND MOBILIZATION AS PRAGMATIC INSTRUMENTS FOR PARTY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Nze Chukwu affirmed that PDP was in government and in power for sixteen years but “in relative terms it could be said without any contradictions that given the circumstances, the PDP gave a good account of itself. However, given its human content, the context and environment under which it operated, it was grossly misunderstood. Deliberate disinform”
He described contact as a means “to get in touch; to connect/link up and to communicate information; reduce social distance, create awareness and to foster understanding, integration and peaceable relations”.
He listed out individuals or groups to be contacted for political electioneering to include: Special Members of the PDP, Friends of PDP, Critics of PDP, High Profile Individuals (Role Models & Opinion Moulders), Leadership of Faith Communities, Leadership of Tribal Unions, Groups and Associations, Youth Leaders, Leadership of Women Organizations, Leadership of Students Unions, Diaspora Communities/ Foreign Chapters, Leadership of Professional Bodies, Leadership of Market and Trade Organizations, Leadership of Industrial Establishments, Leadership of the 4th Estate of the Realm etc.
As regards mobilization, Nze Chukwu defined it as, ” to organize and encourage (a group of people) to take collective action in pursuit of a particular objective”.
He further explains that “Political Mobilization is driven by the urge “to influence the existing distribution of power.” and that “It occupies an important role in the “social flow of social communication; by engaging, motivating and coordinating a wide range of partners and allies at all levels and in all places to raise awareness and influence change.”
Strategies for mobilization according to the former PDP National Vice Chairman, South East who is also a Harvard scholar include: Secure strong leadership, Establish a formal structure, Engage diverse organizations, community leaders, and residents, Ensure authentic participation and shared decision making, Ensure authentic and productive roles for young people, Develop a shared vision etc.
Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu served as the National Vice Chairman South East of the Peoples Democratic Party from 1999 to 2008.
The elected National Executive Council (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has since been sworn in.