3 hours Ago By Abdulrahman Zakariyau
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, has maintained that the party has not conducted its South-South Zonal Elective Congress, despite claims to the contrary. Damagum stated this on Thursday during the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. His position contradicts the events of February 22, when the party reportedly held the congress, with the chairman of the electoral committee, Vita Abba, declaring Dan Orbih — an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike — as the National Vice Chairman for the South-South after securing 174 votes.
Wike, who attended the congress in Calabar, insisted that the process was legal and final, declaring that the South-South remained the PDP’s strongest base. He dismissed any plans for a fresh congress, affirming Orbih’s leadership in the zone. Related News PDP alleges N200m bribery as four lawmakers defect to APC Edo, PDP trade words over insecurity sponsorship allegation Security operatives disperse thugs from PDP headquarters amid leadership crisis However, four South-South governors were absent from the congress, signalling internal divisions.
The Damagum-led National Working Committee ignored Wike’s stance and, on March 7, appointed Emma Ogidi as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee while setting April 12 as the new date for the zonal congress. Speaking at the inauguration, Damagum stated, “As far as the NWC is concerned, the South-South Zonal Congress has not been held. Since their tenure has ended, we are setting up a Caretaker Committee today.
” Dignitaries present at the event included Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, and National Secretary Sunday Ude-Okoye, among others..
