PDP leadership distances self from pro-Wike South-South Zonal Congress

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has dissociated the party from the South-South Zonal Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 22.

The congress was organized by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Addressing the issue for the first time, Damagum clarified that the PDP had not conducted any official zonal congress in the South-South, as the tenure of the previous executives had only recently ended.

Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, he reaffirmed the party’s stance.

“As far as the PDP is concerned, no election has taken place in the South-South,” he stated. “The tenure of the zonal committee has expired, and we still have a few weeks before conducting the zonal congress. In the meantime, this caretaker committee has been put in place.”

Damagum expressed confidence in the newly appointed committee members, urging them to ensure fair and inclusive leadership in the region.

He also emphasized the party’s resilience and commitment to providing an alternative for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The PDP remains the party to beat. We are one of the oldest and most experienced political parties, having stood the test of time for 27 years,” he said. “Unlike the APC and other newer parties, the PDP offers the best prospect for real change in the country.”

He further warned party leaders against aligning with the ruling government out of fear, urging them to remain steadfast in the party’s vision.

“No one can determine your destiny but yourself,” he remarked. “It is disappointing to see some leaders supporting the present administration at the center out of fear. We must stand firm because Nigerians deserve better.”

In response, Chairman of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, Emmanuel Ogidi, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to carry out the committee’s responsibilities impartially.

With the PDP leadership reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, attention now turns to organizing a transparent and credible South-South Zonal Congress in the coming weeks.