The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is navigating a complex leadership crisis in its South-South Zone, marked by internal disputes, legal challenges, and conflicting claims of authority. The core issue revolves around the election of a new zonal executive committee, a process that has been marred by controversy and disagreements between key party figures, including prominent governors and national leaders. The contention centers on the validity of a zonal congress held on February 22nd, 2025, and the subsequent appointment of a caretaker committee by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). This situation underscores the ongoing power struggles within the PDP as it attempts to reorganize and strategize for future elections.
The controversy began with a court order issued by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, which sought to prevent the PDP and its then-National Vice Chairman for the South-South, Dan Orbih, from conducting the zonal congress. Despite this legal injunction, the congress proceeded as planned, resulting in the election of Orbih and other officials. The congress, held in Calabar, Cross River State, was attended by prominent figures like the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who asserted the legitimacy of the proceedings and Orbih’s victory. However, the absence of four South-South governors from the congress signaled a significant rift within the party’s ranks. This division further deepened when the PDP’s national leadership distanced itself from the Calabar congress, declaring its intention to reschedule the event.
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, subsequently disregarded the outcome of the February 22nd congress and appointed Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as the Chairman of a South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee. This committee was tasked with overseeing the party’s activities in the region until a new zonal executive could be elected. The NWC also set a new date of April 12th, 2025, for the South-South Zonal Congress. This decision effectively nullified the results of the previous congress and further exacerbated the existing tensions within the party. Wike’s insistence on the legitimacy of the initial congress and Orbih’s election directly contradicted the NWC’s stance, creating a stalemate and a deep division within the party.
The formation and inauguration of the caretaker committee mark a significant development in this ongoing saga. The committee, comprising Chief Emmanuel Ogidi (Chairman), Hon. Nicholas Ayuwa, Barr. Godwin Akpan Udonta, Mrs. Bekewei Ashanti, Idehen Ebomoyi, and Dame Vivian Ahanmisi, with Chief Damiete Herbert-Miller as Secretary and Dr. Chris Uduoaka as Administrative Secretary, officially assumed its responsibilities on March 10th, 2025, following the expiration of the previous executive’s tenure on March 9th. The NWC’s decision to inaugurate the caretaker committee on March 13th, 2025, at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, formalizes its authority and signals the party’s determination to move forward with the reorganization process in the South-South Zone. This move also signifies a rejection of the outcomes of the contested February 22nd congress.
The underlying power dynamics within the PDP are further highlighted by the conflicting positions of key players like Wike and the NWC. Wike’s strong support for Orbih and his assertion that the South-South is the PDP’s strongest base suggest an attempt to maintain control and influence within the region. Conversely, the NWC’s decision to appoint a caretaker committee and reschedule the zonal congress indicates a move to assert its authority and potentially reshape the power structure within the zone. The absence of the four South-South governors from the February 22nd congress also raises questions about their allegiances and the broader political landscape within the region. These internal divisions pose significant challenges for the PDP as it seeks to present a united front and regain its footing in the political arena.
The outcome of the upcoming zonal congress scheduled for April 12th will likely have a profound impact on the future direction of the PDP in the South-South Zone. The success of this congress and the acceptance of its results by all factions within the party are crucial for restoring unity and stability. The ability of the PDP to effectively manage these internal conflicts and present a cohesive leadership structure will be a key factor in its ability to compete effectively in future elections. The South-South Zone, traditionally a PDP stronghold, is of strategic importance to the party’s national ambitions. Therefore, resolving this leadership crisis is paramount for the PDP’s overall political strategy.
