The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from reports of a South-South Zonal Congress allegedly held in Calabar, Cross River State, stating categorically that the event was not sanctioned by the party.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that the party had not conducted its zonal congress and urged party members and the public to disregard the gathering in Calabar.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
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The party further explained that the congress had been officially postponed to allow for broader consultations on critical matters.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC at its meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in the exercise of its powers under Section 29 (2)(b), pursuant to Section 31 (2)(c) and (j) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), postponed the conduct of the South-South Zonal Congress from the earlier scheduled date of Saturday, February 22, 2025, so as to allow for further consultation on critical issues relating to the smooth conduct of the Congress in the Zone.”
Providing legal backing for the decision, the statement emphasized the NWC’s authority over party affairs:
“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 including the National, Zonal, State and Local Government organs.’”
“In the same vein, Section 31(2)(j) empowers the National Executive Committee ‘to make Party electoral regulations to govern the conduct of elections to all Party offices at every level and regulate procedures for selecting the Party candidates for elective offices.’”
Reaffirming its stance, the PDP urged members, stakeholders, and relevant agencies to disregard any event falsely presented as its zonal congress.
“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.”
“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, Cross River State purported to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP.”
The party assured members that an official date for the congress would be communicated through appropriate channels in due course.
Expressing gratitude to its supporters, the PDP commended leaders in the region for their loyalty and dedication to the party’s growth.
“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.”
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