PDP Denies Holding South-South Zonal Congress, Postpones Event
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has come out to deny claims that it held its South-South Zonal Congress, stating that a gathering in Calabar, Cross River State, was not an official party event.
In a statement released on Saturday, Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, clarified that the PDP had actually postponed the congress to allow for broader consultations.
“The attention of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a reported social gathering in Calabar, Cross River State, where the organisers falsely claimed same to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP,” the statement read.
“To the contrary, the PDP states in clear terms that it has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress neither is it in any way involved in the said gathering in Calabar,” the statement further emphasized.
Postponement of the Congress
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) had met on Thursday, February 20, 2025, and exercised its powers to postpone the congress, which was initially scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The party cited Sections 29 (2)(b) and 31 (2) (c) and (j) of its constitution, which empower the NWC to act on behalf of the National Executive Committee and supervise the work of the party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC at its meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in the exercise of its powers under Section 29 (2)(b), pursuant to Section 31 (2) (c) and (j) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), postponed the conduct of the South-South Zonal Congress from the earlier scheduled date of Saturday, February 22, 2025, so as to allow for further consultation on critical issues relating to the smooth conduct of the Congress in the Zone,” the statement explained.
Call to Disregard Unauthorized Events
The PDP has urged its members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard any event claiming to be its zonal congress, stating that it will communicate a new date for the exercise through its official channels.
“The PDP calls on all party members in the South South Zone, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Security Agencies, and the Media to disregard any gathering or outcome of any such gathering in Calabar, Cross River State purported to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP,” the statement warned.
Appreciation for Support
The PDP has also appreciated the support of its leaders and stakeholders in the South-South region.
“The NWC commends the PDP South South State Governors, other leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of the Party in the Zone for their loyalty and steadfastness toward the unity, stability, and growth of the Party in the South-South Zone and the nation,” the statement concluded.
