PDP Congress claims in Cross River dismissed as false, party insists its focus is on the all-inclusive Ibadan convention this November

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stressed that the party had not constituted any electoral panel in Cross River, and therefore no congress could be validly recognised.

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He described those who gathered in Calabar as carnival enthusiasts rather than delegates, calling the purported congress “a hallucination.”

“Clearly, there’s no state congress held in Cross River for the PDP,” Ologunagba declared. “People may have gathered in Calabar, but that was a pre-carnival atmosphere, not a political event.

Our congresses follow due process. Anything else is just an illusion.”

The controversy follows conflicting letters sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, postponed congresses in Cross River, Kebbi, and Plateau States.

However, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a close ally of Nyesom Wike, insisted that the exercises would proceed as scheduled on 27 September.

The tension reflects an ongoing power tussle between Makinde and Wike, with disputes over the recognition of Chief Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman (South-South) threatening to further divide the party.

Wike has repeatedly warned that disregarding Orbih’s mandate could spell disaster for the PDP.

Ologunagba, however, urged unity ahead of the Ibadan convention, where 19 new members of the National Working Committee are due to be elected.

He emphasised that the party remains strong and prepared, with or without speculation surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential return to frontline politics.

“This party has eminently qualified Nigerians, especially at the governors’ level, who have shown remarkable capacity,” Ologunagba said.

“Our focus is to deliver the most inclusive national convention yet, and we are ready.”

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With internal rivalries simmering and credibility at stake, the PDP’s ability to maintain cohesion as it heads toward its crucial Ibadan convention may well define its prospects in the build-up to 2027.