The PDP crisis deepens as Nyesom Wike’s faction holds the South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar despite a court order. The PDP NWC disowns the gathering, stating no official congress has been conducted. Wike and Donald Duke attended, sparking further tensions within the party ahead of upcoming elections.
The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Saturday as a faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike proceeded with the South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar, Cross River State, despite a court injunction prohibiting the exercise. The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) swiftly distanced itself from the event, declaring that the party had not yet conducted the zonal congress and had not set a new date.
The controversy stems from a ruling by a High Court in Port Harcourt, which issued an interim injunction blocking the congress. However, reports indicate that Wike actively participated in the event, even casting a vote, alongside former Cross River Governor Donald Duke. Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, confirmed the minister’s presence in a social media post.
Responding to the development, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed the gathering as an unauthorized social event falsely presented as the party’s official zonal congress. He urged party members, electoral bodies, and security agencies to disregard any decisions made at the Calabar event, emphasizing that the PDP leadership remains committed to unity and stability within the South-South region. The party also commended its governors and stakeholders in the region for their loyalty.
With tensions rising between the NWC and Wike’s camp, political analysts warn that the rift could further destabilize the PDP ahead of upcoming elections.
