The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself navigating a complex intra-party conflict in its South-South zone, a situation characterized by legal challenges, contested congresses, and factional divisions. The crux of the matter revolves around the election of the Zonal Executive Committee, the body responsible for managing party affairs in the region. A power struggle has emerged, resulting in a series of events that have exposed deep fissures within the party’s ranks and raised concerns about the integrity of its internal democratic processes. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is attempting to maintain control and steer the zone towards stability by appointing a caretaker committee to oversee operations pending a new zonal congress.
The controversy began with a lawsuit filed by PDP members Tonu Ejiogu and Field Nkor from Rivers State, challenging the planned zonal congress. The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt subsequently issued a restraining order against the PDP and the incumbent National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, effectively preventing them from proceeding with the election of a new zonal executive committee. Despite this legal impediment, the PDP went ahead with the congress in Calabar, Cross River State, a move that immediately ignited controversy. The congress, held on February 22, 2025, declared Dan Orbih the winner of the National Vice Chairman position, along with other elected officials. This act of defiance against the court order further complicated an already tense situation.
The Calabar congress enjoyed the notable support of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a powerful figure within the PDP. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, characterized the South-South as the PDP’s stronghold and insisted on recognizing the outcome of the Calabar congress, including Orbih’s victory. This stance, however, was met with resistance from four other South-South governors, indicating a significant division within the zone’s leadership. Their dissent highlighted the depth of the internal conflict and signaled the difficulties the PDP faced in achieving a unified front. The contrasting positions taken by prominent party figures further fuelled the dispute and underscored the challenges facing the NWC in its efforts to resolve the matter.
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, found itself in a difficult position following the contested congress. Recognizing the potential for further escalation and legal challenges, the NWC rejected the outcome of the Calabar congress, a decision that effectively invalidated Orbih’s declared victory and the election of other officials. This move aimed to restore order and adherence to legal processes within the party, especially considering the existing court order. To manage the zone’s affairs in the interim, the NWC appointed a caretaker committee, signaling its intent to take control of the situation and prepare for a fresh congress. Emma Ogidi was appointed chairman of this caretaker committee, tasked with guiding the zone until a new executive committee could be duly elected.
The NWC’s decision to appoint a caretaker committee underscores its commitment to resolving the internal conflict and ensuring a legitimate and legally sound process for electing the South-South Zonal Executive Committee. By scheduling a new congress for April 12, 2025, the NWC aims to provide a clear pathway towards a resolution that respects legal procedures and addresses the concerns of all stakeholders. The inauguration of the caretaker committee, scheduled for March 13, 2025, marks a crucial step in this process, formalizing the transition and establishing a temporary leadership structure to manage the zone’s affairs. The committee, comprised of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as Chairman, along with other appointed members, is expected to play a critical role in ensuring a smooth transition toward the new congress.
The ongoing conflict within the PDP’s South-South zone reveals underlying tensions and power dynamics within the party. The events leading up to the appointment of the caretaker committee highlight the challenges of managing internal dissent and maintaining unity within a large political organization. The NWC’s actions demonstrate an attempt to assert control and restore order amidst the factional divisions. The success of the caretaker committee in navigating this complex political landscape will be crucial for the PDP’s stability in the South-South, a region considered a vital stronghold for the party. The upcoming congress in April will undoubtedly be a critical test of the party’s ability to resolve its internal disputes and present a united front moving forward. The ability of the PDP to overcome this internal conflict and conduct a credible and inclusive zonal congress will significantly impact its prospects in future elections and its overall credibility as a cohesive political force.
