The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims that it conducted its South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar, Cross River State. The party made it clear that the gathering in question was not an official event and was not sanctioned by its leadership.
This was stated in an official press release issued on Saturday by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
“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.
“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 statement partly read.
The PDP further noted that the congress had been postponed to allow for more consultations among party stakeholders.
“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.”
The statement explained that the PDP Constitution grants the National Working Committee (NWC) the authority to act on behalf of the National Executive Committee in urgent situations, while the National Executive Committee has the responsibility of overseeing all party activities, including zonal congresses. It also noted that the party’s leadership is in charge of setting electoral regulations and procedures.
The PDP urged its members and the general public to disregard any claims that a zonal congress had been conducted in Cross River.
“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.
“Our party will in due course and through its official channels communicate a new date for the conduct of the South-South Zonal Congress,” it added.
The party also acknowledged the continued loyalty of its members and stakeholders in the region.
“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.
