Wike: PDP crisis deepens as South-South governors reject zonal leadership

DDM News

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, with South-South governors opposing the newly elected zonal leadership.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that the governors are displeased with the election of Dan Orbih as zonal chairman and other executives aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike.

The PDP governors from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom are demanding a new congress or Orbih’s removal from office.

They insist that their loyalists should occupy leadership positions within the PDP South-South zone.

A Rivers State High Court had previously issued an order preventing the party from conducting the zonal congress.

Despite the court order, the PDP proceeded with the congress in Calabar, Cross River State, last Saturday.

Vita Abba, chairman of the electoral committee, announced that Orbih won the election with 174 votes.

Other elected officials include Alabah Turnah as secretary and Evelyn Weke as treasurer.

Ijeoma Obani emerged as financial secretary, while Timothy Okwoche was elected as organizing secretary.

Iyrneri Briggs became the legal adviser, with Prince Etim Isong assuming the role of publicity secretary.

Loveday Abaribote was elected as auditor, while Phenomena Esubok took the position of woman leader.

Patrick Asuquo emerged as the youth leader, completing the new PDP South-South zonal leadership.

Wike attended the congress and described the South-South as the PDP’s strongest base.

He declared that no other congress would take place in the region.

The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) issued a statement rejecting the congress results.

Debo Ologunagba, the party’s national publicity secretary, clarified that the congress was not an official PDP event.

Senior party officials disclosed that the interests of South-South governors were not represented in the congress.

A party official revealed that the governors were displeased about the congress proceeding without their input.

They argue that Wike should not dictate the affairs of the PDP South-South zone.

The governors believe Wike’s influence should be curtailed, as it is their turn to lead the party’s affairs.

The South-South governors are collaborating with the NWC to explore legal measures to nullify the congress.

They are determined to remove Wike’s loyalists from the newly constituted zonal leadership.

Another party insider accused Wike of acting like a dictator within the party.

The crisis, which started in Rivers State, has now spread to the entire South-South region.

In response, the PDP wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the South-South congress.

A letter addressed to INEC on February 20 informed the commission of the congress’s postponement.

The letter, signed by PDP National Secretary Ude-Okoye, cited operational constraints and unforeseen circumstances.

The PDP promised to communicate a new date and venue for the congress.

The Rivers State government reaffirmed its commitment to the court order that restrained the congress.

Joseph Johnson, Rivers State commissioner for information, reiterated the government’s position.

Johnson clarified that the Rivers State government remains focused on delivering democratic dividends.

He insisted that the PDP congress in Calabar was an independent gathering not recognized by the state.

The Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, also supported the PDP national leadership’s stance on the congress.

His chief press secretary, Festus Ahon, affirmed the governor’s alignment with the NWC’s decision.

The Bayelsa State PDP expressed support for the postponement of the South-South zonal congress.

Governor Douye Diri was unavailable for comment, while the PDP state chairman declined to answer calls.

A source close to both leaders confirmed their endorsement of the NWC’s position.

The PDP deputy national youth leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated that the congress process could still be modified.

He assured that the party had internal mechanisms to address concerns regarding the congress.

Osadolor refrained from labeling the gathering illegal but acknowledged that adjustments might be necessary.

He emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the ongoing dispute within the PDP.

Dan Orbih defended the validity of the congress and dismissed claims of procedural flaws.

He insisted that the absence of the four governors did not affect the congress’s credibility.

Orbih argued that the NWC had not formally postponed the congress.

He stated that no official memo regarding the postponement had been discussed by the NWC.

Orbih criticized attempts to undermine the congress based on informal discussions.

He urged PDP members to adhere to constitutional procedures rather than social media debates.

Orbih asserted that PDP activities must be conducted in line with the party’s constitution.

He explained that electoral laws were followed, including proper notification to INEC.

He challenged opponents to present evidence of any new official correspondence altering the congress date.

Orbih called on PDP members to unite and focus on strengthening the party for the 2027 elections.

He noted that party congresses do not require governors’ presence to be valid.

Orbih cited past instances where governors were absent, yet congresses remained legitimate.

He emphasized that PDP procedures supersede individual preferences or engagements.

Orbih rejected arguments that the congress should have been postponed due to personal commitments.

He reiterated that formal procedures were followed in notifying INEC about the congress.

He dismissed last-minute attempts to halt the congress as baseless.

Attempts to reach PDP’s national publicity secretary for further comments were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, a group called PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress criticized Wike’s stance on internal party matters.

The group condemned Wike for accusing PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara of anti-party activities.

Wabara had praised Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party for his infrastructural achievements in Abia State.

The group argued that Wabara’s remarks were intended to attract Otti to the PDP.

They accused Wike of hypocrisy for frequently praising APC leaders while attacking PDP members.

The group claimed that Wike himself was guilty of anti-party activities.

They demanded that Wike stop undermining PDP efforts to rebuild and reposition the party.

The group expressed confidence in Wabara’s leadership and commitment to party growth.

They praised PDP governors and leaders working to resist impunity within the party.

They urged PDP members to focus on strengthening the party rather than engaging in internal disputes.

The PDP crisis continues to escalate, with governors and party officials struggling for control.

Wike’s influence remains a contentious issue within the South-South PDP.

The battle for leadership in the region is far from over.

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