FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Insists on Legitimacy of South-South PDP Zonal Congress Says There Will Be No Other Congress

The recent South-South PDP Zonal Congress in Calabar, Cross River State, has sparked controversy, with the camp loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, conducting the congress despite a court order against it. Wike reportedly participated and voted in the congress, which also had former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, in attendance.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has disowned the congress, stating that the party has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress and has yet to communicate a date for the exercise. The PDP has called on party members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media to disregard the gathering and its outcome.

However, Wike’s camp is standing firm on their decision, with Wike stating that there will be no other South-South Zonal Congress apart from the one where Orbih was elected as Chairman. This development highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP.

Controversy Surrounding the Congress

The controversy surrounding the congress began when a court order was obtained, restraining the PDP from conducting the South-South Zonal Congress. However, Wike’s camp went ahead with the congress, citing the need to fill vacancies in the zonal executive committee.

The congress, which was attended by Wike, Donald Duke, and other prominent PDP members, elected Chief Dan Orbih as the new Chairman of the South-South PDP Zonal Executive Committee.

Reactions from the PDP

The PDP has condemned the congress, stating that it was not authorized by the party’s national leadership. The party has also warned that any decisions taken at the congress will be null and void.

In a statement, the PDP said, “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a purported South-South Zonal Congress of the party held in Calabar, Cross River State.

“The PDP wishes to inform the general public, party members, INEC, security agencies, and the media that the party has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress and has yet to communicate a date for the exercise.

“Consequently, the party disowns the gathering and its outcome, and warns that any decisions taken at the congress will be null and void.”

The controversy surrounding the South-South PDP Zonal Congress highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP. While Wike’s camp is standing firm on their decision, the PDP has disowned the congress and warned that any decisions taken will be null and void. The development is likely to have far-reaching implications for the party’s unity and preparations for future elections.