PDP congress sparks internal crisis as opposition leaders unite

DDM News

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) remains in turmoil, with internal conflicts threatening its stability and future political prospects.

Despite efforts to restore order, divisions persist, preventing the party from focusing on its goal of regaining power in 2027.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has denied that the party conducted its South-South Zonal Elective Congress.

Damagum made this claim during the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee at PDP’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

His statement contradicts events on February 22, when the party reportedly held the congress and elected Dan Orbih.

Orbih, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, secured 174 votes in the election.

Wike attended the congress in Calabar and declared the process legitimate, affirming Orbih’s leadership of the South-South zone.

He insisted that the South-South remained the PDP’s strongest base and dismissed any plans for a fresh congress.

However, four South-South governors were absent from the event, highlighting internal divisions within the party’s leadership.

The Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) rejected Wike’s position and scheduled a new congress for April 12.

The NWC also appointed Emma Ogidi as Chairman of the South-South Caretaker Committee on March 7.

During the inauguration, Damagum reiterated that the South-South Zonal Congress had not been officially conducted.

He emphasized that since the previous leadership’s tenure had ended, the party needed a caretaker committee for the zone.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, and former Chairman Uche Secondus attended the event.

Other dignitaries included National Secretary Sunday Udeh-Okoye, who has been at the center of leadership controversies.

Diri Asserts PDP’s Unity Amidst Internal Struggles

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State affirmed that no individual was bigger than the PDP.

Speaking at the party’s national secretariat, he expressed confidence that internal challenges could be resolved through collective effort.

Diri, who chairs the South-South PDP Governors Forum, urged members to prioritize unity and internal stability.

He stressed that the party must focus on resolving its internal disputes before blaming external forces.

For the PDP to remain competitive, Diri argued, it must confront and address internal divisions.

He noted that it was easy to blame others, but internal reforms were necessary for the party’s progress.

He called for unity and discipline, emphasizing that the power to fix the party lay in the hands of its members.

Diri reiterated that no single individual should be allowed to dominate or destabilize the PDP.

The newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee, he explained, had the NWC’s mandate to address issues affecting the South-South zone.

He expressed hope that the committee’s work would mark a step forward for the party’s growth.

Diri highlighted that four governors from the South-South were aligned in strengthening the party’s position.

The deputy governor of Delta State represented his governor, while messages came from the Akwa Ibom and Rivers governors.

He emphasized the need for leadership, cooperation, and strategic action to strengthen the PDP’s presence in the region.

Anyanwu’s Aide Arrested Over PDP NWC Disruption

An aide to PDP’s former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was arrested for disrupting an NWC meeting.

Emmanuel Okoronkwo allegedly hired thugs to prevent the NWC from convening at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The disruption occurred because Anyanwu was not permitted to attend, while Sunday Udeh-Okoye was already seated.

Okoronkwo and his accomplices physically blocked NWC members from entering the meeting venue.

PDP secretariat staff confronted him, questioning whether he was the party’s Chief Security Officer.

Security personnel, including police, DSS, and army officers, later intervened to restore order.

A Chief Superintendent of Police, Haliu Raphael, led the operation that resulted in Okoronkwo’s arrest.

He was taken into custody along with his hired thugs and transported in security vehicles.

Earlier, Okoronkwo had locked the PDP’s Wadata Plaza secretariat, preventing access to party members and officials.

A video circulating online showed him threatening to unleash violence against “unauthorized persons” entering the premises.

Journalists and visitors were denied entry, escalating tensions at the secretariat.

Okoronkwo had previously assaulted Udeh-Okoye during a PDP Board of Trustees meeting.

The PDP’s NWC held its first meeting in five months, aiming to restore peace within the party.

However, the heavy security presence at the meeting reflected ongoing tensions.

A few hours before the meeting, thugs occupied the building, obstructing access for NWC members.

Security forces arrived to disperse the disruption and arrest the instigators.

The Supreme Court has yet to deliver a verdict on the PDP National Secretary’s leadership dispute.

Despite tensions, the NWC meeting proceeded, focusing on upcoming elections and internal reforms.

Bauchi Governor Seeks Stronger Opposition With Peter Obi

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed his willingness to work with Peter Obi to strengthen Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Speaking after a private meeting with Obi, Mohammed praised his political style and governance vision.

He described Obi as a knowledgeable and strategic leader who understands governance and economic development.

Mohammed noted that Obi’s approach to politics aligns with the need for a credible opposition.

He acknowledged Obi’s influence as a key opposition figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Both leaders discussed issues affecting the opposition and Nigeria’s governance challenges.

They also examined political instability in Rivers State and strategies to strengthen opposition movements.

Mohammed emphasized the need for unity among opposition leaders to challenge the ruling party effectively.

He declared his readiness to collaborate with Obi to build a stronger and more strategic opposition.

The governor stressed the importance of offering credible alternatives to the ruling party.

He argued that genuine leadership, vision, and sincerity were needed to rescue Nigeria from ineffective governance.

Mohammed’s fellow PDP governors, he said, supported stronger alliances among opposition leaders.

Peter Obi confirmed that his visit to Bauchi was part of wider consultations on Nigeria’s political future.

He explained that discussions with northern leaders were crucial for national unity and progress.

Obi emphasized that addressing poverty was key to resolving insecurity in the North.

He argued that without economic opportunities, crime and violence would continue to rise.

He urged Nigeria to invest in education and agriculture to reduce poverty and unemployment.

Obi criticized the government for prioritizing political scandals over pressing economic and security issues.

He stressed that hunger, education, and healthcare should be at the center of political discourse.

Obi concluded that his discussions with Mohammed were part of ongoing efforts to unify the opposition.

The meeting signaled potential collaboration between opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

If successful, such alliances could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.

The PDP’s internal struggles, combined with new opposition alignments, will shape the future political landscape.

Observers will watch closely as the party navigates its internal crises and prepares for the next elections.

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