The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has categorically denied holding its South-South Zonal Congress, refuting claims of an alleged congress held in Calabar, Cross River State. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issued a statement clarifying that the gathering in Calabar was not an official PDP event and that the party had officially postponed the congress to facilitate broader consultations among stakeholders. This postponement, according to the statement, was a strategic decision taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated congress in the South-South Zone.
The PDP emphasized that the NWC, during its meeting on February 20, 2025, exercised its constitutional powers to postpone the zonal congress, initially scheduled for February 22, 2025. The party cited specific sections of its constitution, including Section 29 (2)(b), Section 31 (2) (c), and Section 31 (2) (j), as the legal basis for the postponement. These sections grant the NWC the authority to act on behalf of the National Executive Committee in emergencies, subject to ratification, and to supervise and direct all party organs, including zonal bodies. Furthermore, the NWC has the power to establish electoral regulations for party offices and candidate selection procedures. The postponement was therefore well within the NWC’s constitutional purview.
The party underscored the importance of adhering to official communication channels and urged stakeholders to disregard any information about the purported congress in Calabar. The PDP reiterated that it would announce the new date for the South-South Zonal Congress through its official channels, ensuring transparency and clarity in its communication. The statement serves as a caution against misinformation and emphasizes the party’s commitment to due process in its internal affairs.
The PDP also expressed its gratitude to key stakeholders in the South-South Zone, including governors, party leaders, and members, for their unwavering support and commitment to the party’s unity and growth. This acknowledgement highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships within the party structure and recognizing the contributions of individuals at various levels. The party views the loyalty and steadfastness of its members as crucial for its stability and effectiveness in the region and nationally.
Furthermore, the party’s statement serves as a proactive measure to prevent confusion and maintain order within its ranks. By clearly disavowing the Calabar gathering and reiterating its commitment to due process, the PDP aims to prevent any potential factionalism or disputes that could arise from an unauthorized congress. This approach underlines the party’s focus on maintaining internal cohesion and preventing any actions that could undermine its overall objectives.
Finally, the PDP’s emphatic denial of the purported South-South Zonal Congress demonstrates the party’s commitment to upholding its constitutional processes and maintaining a unified front. By clarifying its position and outlining the reasons for the postponement, the PDP aims to project an image of stability and adherence to internal regulations. This approach is crucial for maintaining public trust and demonstrating the party’s capacity to effectively manage its affairs. The party’s communication strategy highlights the importance of clear and timely information dissemination to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all stakeholders are kept abreast of official decisions.
