The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected claims that it conducted its South-South Zonal Congress, dismissing a reported gathering in Calabar, Cross River State, as an unofficial event. The clarification came in a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who emphasized that no such congress has taken place and urged members to disregard the misrepresentation.
“The attention of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a reported social gathering in Calabar, Cross River State, where the organisers falsely claimed same to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP,” Ologunagba stated. “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.” The party’s leadership moved swiftly to set the record straight, seeking to quash any confusion among its ranks and the public.
The statement revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC) had officially postponed the congress, originally slated for Saturday, February 22, 2025, during its meeting on Thursday, February 20. The decision, Ologunagba explained, was made to allow for broader consultations on critical issues affecting the smooth execution of the event. “For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC… postponed the conduct of the South-South Zonal Congress from the earlier scheduled date… so as to allow for further consultation,” the statement read, citing the party’s constitutional authority under Sections 29 and 31.
The PDP underscored its legal framework to reinforce its position. “For clarity, while Section 29 (2)(b) of the PDP Constitution empowers the NWC to ‘in case of emergency, act on behalf of the National Executive Committee subject to the ratification of the National Executive Committee,’ Section 31(2)(c) expressly provides that the National Executive Committee shall ‘supervise and direct the work of the Party and all its organs,’” the statement elaborated. It further noted that Section 31(2)(j) grants the National Executive Committee the power “to make Party electoral regulations to govern the conduct of elections to all Party offices at every level,” affirming the postponement’s legitimacy.
Reiterating its stance, the party called on stakeholders to dismiss the Calabar event outright. “For emphasis, therefore, the PDP states that it has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress and it has yet to communicate a date for the exercise,” Ologunagba declared. “The PDP calls on all party members in the South South Zone, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Security Agencies, and the Media to disregard any gathering or outcome of any such gathering in Calabar… purported to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP.” The party promised to announce a revised date through official channels in due course.
Amid the clarification, the PDP expressed gratitude to its regional leaders and members for their unwavering support. “The NWC commends the PDP South South State Governors, other leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of the Party in the Zone for their loyalty and steadfastness toward the unity, stability, and growth of the Party in the South-South Zone and the nation,” the statement concluded, signaling a united front despite the hiccup.
The development highlights the PDP’s efforts to maintain order and transparency within its ranks as it navigates internal processes. With the South-South Zonal Congress on hold, party faithful and observers alike await the next steps in this ongoing political saga.