PDP Sacks Executives in Cross River, Akwa Ibom — Names Caretaker Committees Amid Crisis Over Expired Tenure, Botched Congress

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved its state executives in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, announcing the formation of caretaker committees to steer the party’s affairs amid confusion, expired tenures, and unheld congresses.

The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) approved the drastic step after clarifying that no valid congress was conducted in Cross River despite claims to the contrary.

National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Tuesday, said the NWC acted in line with the party’s constitution (as amended in 2017) to avert a leadership vacuum following the expiration of the four-year tenure of the dissolved state executives.

He explained that the Cross River Caretaker Committee will take charge from Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for a period not exceeding three months — or until new executives are duly elected.

The committee is chaired by Bassey Eko Ewa, with Bassey Joseph as Acting Secretary. Other members include Joe Ekpe Edet, Udie Mike, Lynne Bassey, Etim Okon, Ankot Cohbom, Ofana Raphael Odo, Onun Inyang Unoh, Ebaye Akunjom, Godswill Obindim, Edem Ekong, Raymond Abo, Moses Bisuakefe, Agabi Dominic Oko, Walter Nandi Esom, Ekpo Asuquo, and Victor Erig Takon.

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of our Party in Cross River State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the PDP,” Ologunagba urged.

The announcement follows days of tension and mixed signals. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum had formally informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the postponement of congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi States on September 25. Yet, in a twist, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu wrote a separate letter insisting the Cross River congress would proceed on September 27.

While a few members reportedly gathered in Calabar that day, Ologunagba clarified that no valid congress took place, reinforcing the NWC’s decision to intervene with a caretaker structure.

In a parallel move, the NWC also dissolved the Akwa Ibom State Executive, replacing it with a 31-member Caretaker Committee chaired by Igwat Umoren, with Harrison Ekpo as Deputy Chairman and Borono Bassey as Secretary.

Other key officers include Bar. Ewa Okpo (Publicity Secretary), Emman Mbong (Organizing Secretary), Aniekan Asuquo (Youth Leader), Mary Silvia Abara (Woman Leader), and Barr. Enoch Enoch (Legal Adviser).

The committee also comprises grassroots leaders such as Aniebiet Cornelius, Udim Peters, Mrs. Ayanime Obot, Ofon Michael, Esther Bassey Effiong, David Umanah, Usenmfon Ibanga, Unwana Assam, Obong Francis Akpan Ogbuji, Ndianabasi Udom, and several others tasked with reconciling factions and rebuilding party cohesion.

“The NWC calls on all leaders, stakeholders, and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to close ranks, remain united, and work together for the progress of the PDP,” the statement read.

The move signals the PDP leadership’s determination to reassert control and prevent internal implosions ahead of the next electoral cycle. With state congresses mired in controversy, and tenure expirations threatening legitimacy, the new caretaker committees will be tasked with stabilizing the party in the two oil-rich South-South states.

For now, all eyes will be on how the caretaker committees navigate looming factional battles and prepare for fresh congresses that could define the PDP’s strength in the region.