PDP Takes Tough Stance Against Wike, South-South Congress

Attempts by a faction of PDP members loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to take control of the party in the south south has hit the rocks, as the party leadership has rejected the report submitted by the Wike group on the outcome of the congress they organized in Calabar last weekend.

Members of the state executive council in Cross River State, PDP governors and many other stakeholders from the region had shunned the congress, after the party leadership had announced that it had nothing to do with the congress and that a new date for the event would be announced later.

Even with the position of the party’s national working committee that the congress had been postponed, and despite the order from a Rivers State high court, that the congress should not hold, Wike’s loyalists chose to go ahead with the congress, citing an order from a federal high court which gave them the go-ahead.

On Thursday, Dan Orbih who was said to have emerged as the south south chairman of the party, as well as George Turner was said to have been elected as secretary, addressed a report to Samuel Anyanwu whom they addressed as the national secretary, stating how the congress went in Calabar.

The report reads in part: “It is our hope that this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We write to formally report on the Zonal Congress held by the South South Zone of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday, 22nd February 2025, at Calabar, Cross River State. This report outlines the conduct of the Congress, adherence to party regulations, and the outcomes of the elections held during the gathering.

“The Congress was convened pursuant to the notice issued by the National Organizing Secretary dated Monday, October 7, 2024, with ref no: PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1M/24-294 (B). The directive outlined the need for a smooth and efficient process to facilitate the election of new officials for the Zonal Working Committee.

“In preparation for the Congress, we adhered to the timetable and schedule of activities as detailed in the notice from the National Organizing Secretary. The Congress commenced promptly, with participation from delegates representing the six states within the South South Zone. The atmosphere was one of unity, enthusiasm, and commitment to the ideals of our party.

“The Congress was conducted in substantial compliance with the Constitution of the Party, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the electoral process. The election of officials proceeded smoothly, and we are pleased to report that the following individuals were elected to serve on the Zonal Working Committee for the next four years…”

The report listed those who were elected at the congress. But as the report got to the PDP headquarters, the letter was stamped “rejected” on all the pages, an indication that the NWC would have nothing to do with it.