The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn yesterday when the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, publicly dismissed the South South Zonal Congress scheduled for February 22, 2025, which was supported by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In response, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri emphasized that “PDP is greater than any individual” and expressed confidence that the party’s internal issues could be resolved if members actively engage in finding solutions.
Damagum, who established a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s operations in the region until a formal zonal congress is held, asserted that the party has not yet conducted its South South Zonal Elective Congress, despite contrary assertions.
He remarked, “This is a significant moment, and I want to clarify that there has been no election, as far as this party is concerned, in the South South. It is important to state this because the tenure of the zonal committee has lapsed, and we have a few weeks or about a month to organize the zonal congresses. Therefore, we find it necessary to form this caretaker committee.”
During the Calabar zonal congress, Wike declared it the final elective congress, citing support from the party’s constitution. At this congress, Dan Orbih was re-elected as the South South Zonal Vice Chairman of the PDP.
Wike criticized the plans for an additional congress in the region, labeling the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) as “stupid” for deciding to hold another South South Zonal Congress during a media session observed in Abuja on Wednesday.
Disregarding Wike’s objections, the Damagum-led NWC appointed Emma Ogidi as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee on March 7 and set April 12 as the new date for the zonal congress.
At the inauguration, Damagum stated, “From the perspective of the NWC, the South South Zonal Congress has not taken place. Given that their tenure has concluded, we are establishing a caretaker committee today.”
Ogidi, representing the committee, expressed gratitude to the National Working Committee (NWC) for the opportunity to serve, stating, “I assure you that, with God’s grace, we will perform our duties impartially for the glory of God.”
After the inauguration of the caretaker committee, Diri addressed reporters at Wadata House in Abuja, highlighting that the responsibility for addressing internal disputes rests with the party members, not solely with its leadership.
As the chair of the South South PDP Governors Forum, Diri emphasized that for the party to maintain its competitiveness as Nigeria’s oldest political party, it must prioritize resolving internal conflicts and fostering unity.
He remarked, “We must first examine our own issues before placing blame on external factors. It is essential to address our internal challenges. While it is easy to assign blame, the PDP must take the time to confront its own difficulties. Only then can we effectively compete with others.
“I desire for the PDP to be a formidable contender against other political parties. Being the oldest political party in Nigeria, we have no justification for blaming outsiders.” When asked if the party’s leadership possessed the political will to discipline those causing discord, Diri asserted that the responsibility lies with the members.
“We are all part of the party. Once we collectively decide to address our issues, no individual can be considered greater than the party,” he stated.
Diri underscored that the newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee has been entrusted by the NWC to address all matters affecting the party in the South South region.
