PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike's Camp Defies Court Order, Conducts South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar

The crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, defied a court order and proceeded with the South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar, Cross River State.

Despite a standing interim injunction issued by a High Court in Port Harcourt barring the conduct of the congress, Wike and his allies went ahead with the event, deepening the ongoing battle for control within the opposition party. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has strongly dissociated itself from the congress, warning party members and the public to disregard the gathering in Calabar.

Defying the Court: Wike's Faction Holds Congress Regardless

The South-South Zonal Congress, which was marred by legal and political controversy, was reportedly attended by Wike himself, who not only participated but also cast his vote. Other notable attendees included former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, further signaling a deepening division within the PDP.

The congress was held despite an interim injunction granted by a High Court in Port Harcourt, which explicitly barred the event from taking place 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, who sought to prevent the congress from holding.

Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Wike, confirmed the Minister's presence at the event through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Olayinka shared images and stated, "FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, voting at the South-South PDP Zonal Congress going on in Calabar, Cross River State.ÔÇØ

PDP NWC Washes Its Hands Off 'Illegal' Congress

In a swift reaction, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issued a strongly worded statement distancing the party's national leadership from the controversial congress. The party labeled the gathering as a mere 'social event' and reaffirmed that no legitimate South-South Zonal Congress had taken place.

"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.ÔÇØ

Ologunagba further emphasized that the party had not sanctioned the congress and had yet to communicate an official date for the legitimate exercise.

"To the contrary, 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.ÔÇØ

Implications for PDP's Internal Stability

The move by Wike's camp to proceed with the congress despite the court injunction raises fresh concerns about the unity and stability of the PDP. With factional disputes threatening to split the party, political analysts fear that the ongoing crisis could further weaken the PDP's chances in future elections.

The party has called on its members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media to disregard any resolutions or leadership structures that may have emerged from the gathering in Calabar.

Ologunagba reassured PDP members in the South-South that a fresh date for the official congress would be communicated in due course. He also praised South-South PDP governors, stakeholders, and loyal party members for their steadfastness in upholding the party's integrity amidst the ongoing crisis.