The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the South-South region remains the strongest base of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria. He made this known on Saturday while delivering a goodwill message in Calabar, Cross River State, during the party’s South-South Zonal Congress.
Wike noted that the South-South has consistently been a pillar of the PDP and would continue to be so. He urged delegates to elect party officials who would stand firm in defending and protecting the party’s interests.
He said, “The South-South Zone is the strongest zone of the PDP in Nigeria. It has always been and will always be. There is no part of the constitution that says Congress should be postponed because of a wedding or travelling.”
Addressing concerns about the congress, Wike insisted that every congress does not require the presence of all delegates. He pointed out that the party’s constitution does not mandate the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct the zonal congress, stating that the responsibility lies with the zone itself.
“There has never been a congress where every delegate was present. The constitution did not say the National Working Committee should conduct a congress but the zone. I want to assure you that this is the final zonal congress of the South-South Zone, after the election today, no other zonal congress will hold.”
Wike also dismissed fears of intimidation, urging members to stay united and choose leaders who would foster growth and stability in the party.
“This is our job, our terrain, and we are not new to this. Nobody can intimidate me and I don’t need to be a governor. Let us put ourselves together in truth and ensure our party remains united and we can only be united when we are truthful. Let us also shine our eyes and elect leaders that will unite and protect our party.”
Meanwhile, the Zonal Chairman of the PDP, Dan Orbih, acknowledged that internal issues were affecting the party in the region. However, he expressed confidence that the congress would serve as a turning point in strengthening the party.
He noted that the event was an opportunity to restructure the party and ensure it remains a force in the country’s political landscape.
However, despite the gathering in Calabar, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, released a statement dismissing claims that an official South-South Zonal Congress had taken place. He stated that the party did not recognize the event as an official function of the PDP.
