In a bold move that underscores his influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has openly defied the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), declaring that no further South-South zonal congress will be held beyond the one conducted in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday.
Wike made this pronouncement while delivering a goodwill message at the congress, asserting that the event was final and legitimate. He dismissed any attempts to nullify it, stating unequivocally that there has never been a convention or congress where every single delegate was present.
The former Rivers State governor did not hold back as he took a swipe at the NWC’s position. According to him, the South-South remains the backbone of the PDP and must not be subjected to undue interference.
> “The South-South Zone is the strongest zone of the PDP in Nigeria. It has always been and will always be. There is no part of the constitution that says a congress should be postponed because of a wedding or travelling,” Wike declared.
Reiterating his stance, he added:
> “There has never been a congress where every delegate was present. The constitution does not mandate the NWC to conduct a congress—this is the job of the zone. I want to assure you that this is the final South-South zonal congress. After today’s election, no other zonal congress will hold.”
Exuding confidence, Wike reaffirmed his resilience in the face of opposition, saying:
> “This is our job, our terrain, and we are not new to this. Nobody can intimidate me, and I don’t need to be a governor. Let us put ourselves together in truth and ensure our party remains united. We can only be united when we are truthful. Let us also shine our eyes and elect leaders who will defend and protect our party.”
Also addressing delegates, South-South PDP Zonal Chairman, Dan Orbih, acknowledged that the party’s challenges in the region were largely self-inflicted. However, he remained optimistic that the congress would mark the beginning of a new phase in the party’s repositioning.
> “The problems of the party in the zone are inflicted, but this congress will help reposition the party and kick-start the process of rebuilding,” Orbih stated.
Despite Wike’s insistence on the congress’s legitimacy, the PDP’s NWC has publicly distanced itself from the event, fueling speculations of an impending crisis within the party. The NWC’s stance suggests potential legal and political battles ahead, as Wike and his allies remain adamant that the congress was properly conducted and binding.
With tensions brewing, all eyes are now on the PDP leadership to see how it navigates this deepening internal rift—one that could have significant implications for the party’s future in the South-South and beyond.
PIONEER NEWS 