PDP Acting Chairman Damagum Disowns South-South Zonal Congress

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has distanced the party from the South-South Zonal Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 22, reportedly organized by loyalists of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

Damagum, in his first public statement on the controversial congress, clarified that the PDP had not officially conducted any congress in the South-South zone, as the tenure of the previous executives had only recently expired.

Speaking at the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum emphasized the need for proper procedures.

“This is a very important occasion, and I want to use this opportunity to make it clear that, as far as the PDP is concerned, no election has taken place in the South-South. The tenure of the zonal committee has expired, and we still have a few weeks or about a month before conducting the zonal congresses. In the meantime, we found it necessary to set up this caretaker committee,” he stated.

The Acting National Chairman urged the newly inaugurated caretaker committee to be fair, non-partisan, and committed to fostering an all-inclusive leadership in the zone.

He also reaffirmed the PDP’s strength and legacy, stressing that the party remains the best choice for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Damagum warned party leaders against aligning with the ruling government out of fear.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to discharge the committee’s duties impartially.