PDP Crisis Deepens as NWC Disowns Wike Camp’s Zonal Congress

• The PDP NWC disowned the factional South-South Zonal Congress held by Wike’s allies in Calabar

• The party leadership asserts that only the NWC can schedule zonal congresses, dismissing the Calabar event as illegitimate

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has worsened as the National Working Committee (NWC), led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, disowned the factional South-South Zonal Congress organized by allies of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The congress, held over the weekend in Calabar, Cross River State, was dismissed by the PDP leadership as an illegitimate gathering. Among those present at the event were Wike, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, and the PDP’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih.

The PDP has been struggling with internal divisions, with Wike and several governors engaged in a battle for party control.

However, a senior party member, who spoke anonymously, told Daily Trust that recent developments indicate increased unity within the NWC under Damagum’s leadership.

If you have been following the party’s internal affairs, you would know that previously, the NWC was divided, with some members aligning with Wike. But since the troubles of Samuel Anyanwu, the national secretary, things have changed. The NWC is now speaking with one voice, the source said.

The source also noted that, unlike in the past, the NWC made no conflicting statements following the controversial congress.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issued a statement affirming that the South-South Zonal Congress had been postponed, clarifying that only the South-East and North-East congresses were scheduled to hold.

Ologunagba reiterated that the PDP leadership would take appropriate action at the right time.

We have made our position clear, and at the appropriate time, the party will take necessary steps, he said.

Citing the PDP constitution, he stressed that only the NWC can schedule zonal congresses. He urged party members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the public to disregard any claims emerging from the Calabar gathering.

However, Orbih dismissed Ologunagba’s position, insisting that no NWC meeting had taken place regarding the zonal congresses.

I am a member of the NWC, and we have not met to discuss this issue. Ologunagba is only expressing his opinion and should be ignored, he said.

Speaking at the Calabar event, Wike refuted allegations of anti-party activities, insisting that his decision to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s administration was made with the knowledge and consent of key PDP stakeholders.

He reiterated his commitment to fighting for fairness within the party.