The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum, has disowned the South-South Zonal Congress organized by loyalists of the former Rivers State governor in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 22.
Damagum, in his first public statement on the controversial congress, emphasized that the PDP had not conducted any official congress in the South-South zone, as the tenure of the previous executives had only recently expired.
The Acting National Chairman gave this clarification while speaking at the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Thursday.
“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.
“I have known and worked with some of you before, and I have no doubt that you will diligently execute your responsibilities and help usher in the soon-to-be-elected Executive Committee of the zone. I urge you to be fair, non-partisan, and committed to ensuring an all-inclusive leadership in the zone,” he said.
He also reiterated the PDP’s strength and legacy, stressing that the party remains the best choice for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections and warning 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 carry out the committee’s duties impartially.
PDP crisis: Acting chair disowns pro-Wike South-South zonal congress
