The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday, where Dan Orbih was re-elected as the Zonal Vice Chairman. The event was attended by key party figures, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, and other party stalwarts.
Chairman of the electoral committee, Vita Abba, announced that Orbih secured 174 votes to retain his position. Other officials elected include:
Alabah Turnah – Secretary
Evelyn Weke – Treasurer
Ijeoma Obani – Financial Secretary
Timothy Okwoche – Organising Secretary
Iyrneri Briggs – Legal Adviser
Prince Etim Isong – Publicity Secretary
Loveday Abaribote – Auditor
Phenomena Esubok – Woman Leader
Patrick Asuquo – Youth Leader
All the immediate past zonal officers, first elected four years ago in Port Harcourt, were returned unopposed, with an election conducted to reaffirm their positions. The zonal executive comprises 10 members and six ex-officio members.
In his acceptance speech, Orbih blamed the ongoing crisis within the PDP on internal conflicts and disregard for the party’s constitution. He called for discipline and adherence to guidelines, stressing the need to rebuild and rebrand the party.
“We must follow the party’s constitution if we want to revive it. The era of impunity and imposition must end. We will do what is right for the interest and development of our party in the South-South and Nigeria,” Orbih said.
He also dismissed claims that the congress was illegal, stating that it was conducted under the directive of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended Orbih and his team for maintaining party stability. He emphasized that the South-South Zonal Congress was final, warning against any attempts to challenge its legitimacy.
“This is the final congress in the South-South. No part of the constitution says a congress should be postponed due to some people being unavailable. The National Working Committee has no power to conduct this congress—it is a zonal affair,” Wike stated.
He also criticized the party’s leadership for lacking the courage to “speak truth to power,” attributing the party’s struggles to betrayal and dishonesty.
Former Governor Donald Duke urged PDP members in the zone to remain committed and united. He stressed the importance of electing leaders who will defend and protect the party.
“The South-South remains the strongest PDP zone in Nigeria. We must put ourselves together and work in truth to keep our party strong,” Duke said.
Despite the proceedings in Calabar, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) disowned the event, declaring that it was not an official party congress.
National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issued a statement dismissing the congress as a “social gathering,” stating:
“The PDP has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress, nor is it in any way involved in the said gathering in Calabar.”
This statement has fueled further controversy, raising concerns over internal conflicts and factional disputes within the party.
The South-South Zonal Congress has deepened divisions within the PDP, with conflicting claims over its legitimacy. While key figures like Wike, Duke, and Orbih insist that the process was valid, the party’s national leadership maintains that it was unauthorized. The coming days will determine the next steps as the PDP navigates its internal crisis.
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