The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a caretaker committee for its South-South zone following ongoing tensions and leadership disputes. This development was announced in a statement on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
The move comes after a faction of the party, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reelected Dan Orbih as the chairman of the South-South zone at a congress held in Calabar. However, the PDP’s national leadership canceled this congress last week, citing that Orbih remained under suspension.
The congress took place despite a letter from the suspended National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, which stated that Orbih’s suspension had been lifted since October 2024. The reelection had the attendance of prominent figures, including Wike, former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, and other allies of the FCT Minister.
Ologunagba clarified that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP had approved the composition of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee to take charge from Monday, March 10, 2025. He explained that the caretaker committee’s establishment was necessary to avoid any leadership vacuum as the tenure of the current Zonal Executive ends on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
The members of the newly appointed South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee include Emma Ogidi as Chairman, with Hon. Nicholas Ayuwa, Godwin Akpan Udonta, Mrs. Bekewei Ashanti, Idehen Ebomoyi, Dame Vivia, and Ahanmise as members. Chief Damiete Herbert-Mille will serve as the committee’s Secretary.
Ologunagba emphasized that the caretaker committee will oversee the affairs of the party in the zone for a three-month period until a new zonal executive is elected, as per the party’s constitution.
He further urged all party leaders, stakeholders, and members in the South-South zone to adhere to this decision and work collaboratively for the betterment of the PDP.
