Political Showdown: South-South Governors Challenge Wike’s Influence, Demand Fresh PDP Congress

Political Showdown: South-South Governors Challenge Wike’s Influence, Demand Fresh PDP Congress

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as governors from the South-South region oppose the newly elected Zonal Chairman, Dan Orbih, and other executives linked to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike……..READ MORE 

Reports indicate that four PDP governors—Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)—are pushing for either a fresh congress or the removal of Orbih, aiming to install their loyalists in the party’s South-South leadership.

The controversy arose from a zonal congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, where Orbih secured the chairmanship with 174 votes. Other officials elected include Alabah Turnah (Secretary), Evelyn Weke (Treasurer), Ijeoma Obani (Financial Secretary), Timothy Okwoche (Organizing Secretary), Iyrneri Briggs (Legal Adviser), Prince Etim Isong (Publicity Secretary), Loveday Abaribote (Auditor), Phenomena Esubok (Woman Leader), and Patrick Asuquo (Youth Leader).

Despite a Rivers State High Court ruling barring PDP from conducting the congress, the event proceeded, with Wike declaring that no further congress would be held in the region. However, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) later disavowed the congress, stating it was unauthorized.

According to party insiders, the governors are displeased that Wike and his allies orchestrated the congress without their input.

“The governors are unhappy that a major decision was made in their region without their involvement. They will not allow Wike to dictate to them in the South-South. They believe it is their turn to control the party in the zone,” a PDP source told The PUNCH.

The governors, in collaboration with the NWC, are now exploring legal means to challenge the congress results and organize a fresh election that aligns with their interests.

In a move seen as supporting the governors, the PDP NWC formally notified INEC that the South-South Zonal Congress had been postponed due to ‘operational constraints.’ A letter signed by PDP National Secretary, Ude-Okoye, confirmed this decision, stating that a new date would be communicated.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Information Commissioner, Joseph Johnson, reiterated the state’s position against the congress, emphasizing that anyone who attended the Calabar event did so at their own risk.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have also aligned with the PDP national leadership’s stance on the issue.

Despite the mounting opposition, Orbih maintains that the congress remains valid and insists the absence of the four governors does not undermine the results.

“We have not had any NWC meeting where the South-South Congress postponement was formally discussed,” Orbih stated.

He dismissed last-minute objections from some PDP leaders, arguing that the party had already notified INEC in accordance with the Electoral Act.

Orbih urged party members to set aside internal conflicts and focus on strengthening the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor acknowledged the controversy but assured that the party has mechanisms to address such disputes.

“I wouldn’t call it an illegal gathering, but whatever happened in Calabar is subject to further review,” he noted.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, was unavailable for comment.