The internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have escalated, particularly within the South-South region, as a group of influential governors has united against the newly elected Zonal Chairman, Dan Orbih, and his executive team. The conflict centers on Orbih’s election, which is heavily associated with the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Reports have surfaced that four South-South governors—Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—are demanding either the removal of Orbih or a fresh congress to select new leaders for the region’s PDP leadership. This political upheaval stems from a zonal congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, where Orbih was declared the chairman after securing 174 votes. Along with Orbih, other party officials elected included Alabah Turnah (Secretary), Evelyn Weke (Treasurer), and Ijeoma Obani (Financial Secretary), among others.
The controversy surrounding the congress grew more intense due to a Rivers State High Court ruling, which had barred the PDP from holding the congress.
Despite this ruling, the event went ahead, with Wike publicly declaring that no further congress would be conducted in the South-South. However, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) soon distanced itself from the congress, asserting that it had been unauthorized.
A source close to the party disclosed that the four governors are dissatisfied with Wike’s actions, particularly because he and his allies orchestrated the congress without consulting the key regional governors. The source added, “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.”
The governors, in collaboration with the NWC, are now exploring legal avenues to challenge the congress results. They aim to hold a fresh election that reflects their interests and strengthens their influence within the party. In a move that signals support for the governors, the PDP NWC officially informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (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, with a promise that a new date would be communicated. Despite the mounting opposition, Orbih remains steadfast, asserting that the congress remains valid. He argued that the absence of the four governors did not undermine the legitimacy of the election results. Orbih emphasized, “We have not had any NWC meeting where the South-South Congress postponement was formally discussed.” He further dismissed objections from some party leaders, stating that the necessary notifications had been made to INEC in accordance with the Electoral Act.
For his part, the Rivers State Information Commissioner, Joseph Johnson, reiterated the state’s strong position against the congress, warning that anyone attending the Calabar event did so “at their own risk.” Additionally, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Douye Diri of Delta and Bayelsa states, respectively, aligned themselves with the PDP national leadership’s stance against the congress. While the dispute continues to unravel, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor acknowledged the controversy but reassured party members that the party has mechanisms to address such disputes.
He noted, “I wouldn’t call it an illegal gathering, but whatever happened in Calabar is subject to further review.” As the South-South PDP leadership crisis continues, all eyes are now on how the party will resolve the dispute and move forward, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon. The outcome of this internal conflict could significantly impact the PDP’s unity and its ability to consolidate support in the South-South region.