Wike Talks Tough as Tinubu’s Allies Attend Controversial PDP South-South Congress

Governor Nyesom Wike issues strong remarks as Tinubu’s associates make an unexpected appearance at the contentious PDP South-South congress. 

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attended the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) zonal congress in Calabar on Saturday, along with several loyalists of President Bola Tinubu.

According to PlatinumPost, the National Working Committee of the PDP had previously announced that the meeting would be postponed.

Dan Orbih, the South-South Zonal Vice Chairman of the PDP and recently appointed Governing Council chairman at a tertiary institution in the country, attended the meeting alongside former governor of Cross River Donald Duke and others.

Orbih, hailing from Edo, characterized the ongoing crisis within the party as a result of its own actions.

He observed that the PDP’s constitution had been overlooked in favor of personal interests by a few individuals and encouraged dedicated party members to make necessary sacrifices to rejuvenate and strengthen the party.

He advocated for the election of officers who would uphold the party’s constitution in the region, stressing that these individuals should also possess a sense of respect and reverence for God.

Orbih stated, “To revive the party, we must adhere to its guidelines. These guidelines are governed by the constitution.”

The authority to elect new party officers is governed solely by the constitution.

“We need to begin revitalizing the party from this point forward. The party should not impose who someone can associate with or decide their allies and adversaries.”

In turn, Wike praised Orbih and his executive members for upholding the party’s stability despite facing challenges.

Nevertheless, he encouraged the party’s leadership to speak truth to power if they genuinely aimed to restore their former glory.

Wike mentioned that the zonal congress conducted in Calabar would be the final one to elect the Zonal Working Committee.

Currently, we have leaders who struggle with honesty and are filled with betrayal.

The constitution does not state that Congress cannot meet if some individuals are indisposed. After this, no subsequent congressional session will occur.

This is our responsibility, and we are well-versed in this field. The constitution does not state that the national working committee must conduct the zonal congress.

“This is the last congress in the South-South region. We prioritize quality over quantity,” he stated.

In his speech, Duke encouraged PDP members in the region to stay focused and completely dedicated to the party.

All the zonal officers who were elected four years ago in Port Harcourt were re-elected during the congress held in Calabar.

All were returned unopposed, yet an election was held to confirm their positions.

The zonal executives comprise 10 members, along with six ex-officio members.