The long-standing feud between governors of the South-South region and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, escalated as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a highly controversial zonal congress in Calabar, Cross River State. The event has further deepened divisions within the party, raising concerns about the leadership structure in the region.
Court Ruling and Defiance by Party Leaders
On February 21, 2025, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt issued a restraining order, barring the PDP and the National Vice Chairman for the South-South zone, Dan Orbih, from conducting the congress. The case, with suit number PHC/551/CS/2025, was filed by two Rivers State PDP members, Tonu Ejiogu and Field Nkor, who challenged the legitimacy of the congress.
Despite this legal injunction, the PDP proceeded with the congress in Calabar. The event, chaired by Vita Abba, culminated in the election of Dan Orbih as the South-South National Vice Chairman with 174 votes. Other key officials elected included Alabah Turnah (Secretary), Evelyn Weke (Treasurer), Ijeoma Obani (Financial Secretary), Timothy Okwoche (Organising Secretary), Iyrneri Briggs (Legal Adviser), Etim Isong (Publicity Secretary), Loveday Abaribote (Auditor), Phenomena Esubok (Woman Leader), and Patrick Asuquo (Youth Leader).
Wike’s Involvement and Political Implications
Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and a key political figure in the PDP, not only endorsed but also attended the congress in Calabar. He declared that the South-South remains the strongest base of the PDP and insisted that no alternative congress would be held in the region. Analysts believe that the elected officials are largely loyalists of Wike, suggesting a strategic move to consolidate his influence within the party.
PDP National Working Committee Disowns the Congress
The congress took an unexpected turn when the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) distanced itself from the event. Following consultations with South-South PDP governors, the NWC, through a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on February 22, 2025, made it clear that the Calabar congress was not officially sanctioned by the party.
The statement read:
> “To the contrary, the PDP states in clear terms that it has neither conducted its South-South zonal congress nor is it in any way involved in the said gathering in Calabar.”
Furthermore, the NWC cited a decision made during its meeting on February 20, 2025, wherein it exercised its constitutional powers under Section 29(2)(b), in line with Section 31(2)(c) and (j) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), to postpone the congress. The reason given was to allow for further consultations to ensure a smooth and inclusive electoral process.
> “For emphasis, therefore, the PDP states that it has not conducted its South-South zonal congress and has yet to communicate a date for the exercise,” the statement added.
The party also urged members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media to disregard the outcome of the Calabar congress, declaring it illegitimate.
Tensions in Bayelsa State
The controversy extends beyond Calabar, as internal strife has emerged in Bayelsa State. George Turnah, who was elected as the Zonal Secretary, has found himself at odds with the Bayelsa State Working Committee, which is loyal to the state governor, Senator Douye Diri. The rift underscores the broader power struggle within the PDP, as different factions seek to assert dominance in the South-South region.
The ongoing dispute over the South-South PDP congress highlights deep-seated political rivalries within the party. While Wike’s faction appears determined to maintain control over the region, the governors and the PDP’s national leadership seem equally resolute in asserting their authority. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the PDP will navigate this internal crisis ahead of future elections.
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