PDP disowns Cross River congress, says no authorised electoral panel was sent, dismissing the event in Calabar as a mere gathering, not a real congress
PDP disowns Cross River congress amid growing internal tension, insisting no legitimate state congress took place in Calabar despite the swearing-in of new executive members on Monday.
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Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated clearly that the National Working Committee had neither authorised nor conducted any congress in Cross River, nor in Kebbi and Plateau states, contrary to widespread reports.
“There’s no state congress held in Cross River State for the PDP. What some people did in Calabar was nothing more than carnival activity.
For anyone to gather people, have drinks, and call it a congress is mere hallucination,” Ologunagba said pointedly.
The PDP disowns Cross River congress despite the event in Calabar, where 39 individuals were sworn in as members of a new state executive.
Re-elected State Chairman, Venatius Ikem, pledged to revitalise the party and stressed the need for unity as a foundation for future electoral victories.
“With the new blood coming in, I hope we will be able to rejig the party, rejig our focus. Most importantly, I believe there is nothing like unity,” Ikem said, urging factions to rally behind the leadership.
However, Ologunagba explained that congresses in the affected states were officially postponed via letters from acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and endorsed by Governor Seyi Makinde. A new date, he said, would be communicated in due course.
This development has further exposed the widening cracks within the party’s top leadership, as National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—believed to be aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike—reportedly issued a counter directive insisting congresses proceed on the original date of 27 September.
The PDP disowns Cross River congress at a critical time, with its National Elective Convention set for 15–16 November in Ibadan.
Nineteen members of the National Working Committee are expected to be elected, making current tensions potentially disruptive.
Chapter Chairmen’s Forum leader, Odidi Emmanuel, expressed support for Ikem, describing his return as “timely” and crediting the previous state executive with credible performance.
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Still, the party’s national leadership appears divided, and the question of which faction will shape the PDP’s future remains wide open.
