PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike’s Camp Holds South-South Zonal Congress Despite Court Order

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Saturday as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, conducted the South-South PDP Zonal Congress in Calabar, Cross River State, despite a court order halting the exercise.

The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has, however, disowned the congress, stating that the party has not conducted the South-South Zonal Congress and has yet to announce a date for it.

Court Order Against Congress Ignored

The development comes amid a restraining order from a High Court in Port Harcourt, which issued an interim injunction preventing the South-South Zonal Congress from holding in Cross River or any other location in Nigeria.

The case was filed by Tony Ejiogu, a PDP member from Ward 3 in Etche Local Government Area, and Field Nkoro, a former Vice-Chairman of the South-East PDP.

Despite the court ruling, sources confirmed that Wike actively participated in the congress, even casting his vote. The event also had the presence of former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.

PDP Disowns Calabar Congress

Reacting to the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, distanced the party from the gathering, insisting that it was not an official PDP event.

“The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a reported social gathering in Calabar, Cross River State, where the organizers falsely claimed same to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP,” Ologunagba stated.

“The PDP states in clear terms that it has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress, neither is it in any way involved in the said gathering in Calabar.

“For emphasis, the PDP states that it has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress and has yet to communicate a date for the exercise.”

The PDP urged members of the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media to disregard any outcome from the gathering in Calabar.

The party further assured that a new date for the South-South Zonal Congress would be communicated officially in due course.

Despite the controversy, Wike’s camp remains firm in its position, escalating tensions within the PDP ahead of critical political developments.