In a bold move, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a caretaker committee in the South-South geopolitical zone, despite opposition from Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The decision was made to prevent a leadership vacuum and ensure the party’s smooth operation in the zone after the current zonal executive’s tenure expires on March 9, 2025.
The crisis in the PDP’s South-South zone began when the Rivers State High Court restrained the party from holding the zonal congress. However, the party proceeded with the event in Calabar, Cross River State, where Dan Orbih was re-elected as the National Vice Chairman. Wike, who attended the congress, claimed it was legally organized and that Orbih remained the National Vice Chairman.
Despite Wike’s stance, the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) appointed Emma Ogidi as Chairman of the caretaker committee, along with Chief Damiete Herbert-Miller as Secretary and six other members. The committee’s primary responsibility is to oversee the party’s activities in the zone for a period of three months or until a new zonal executive is elected.
The PDP’s decision to establish a caretaker committee in the South-South zone has significant implications for the party’s internal politics. The move is seen as a challenge to Wike’s influence in the zone and may lead to further divisions within the party.
The PDP’s decision has sparked reactions from various stakeholders. Some have praised the party’s leadership for taking a firm stance, while others have questioned the decision-making process. Wike’s supporters have accused the PDP’s national leadership of trying to undermine the minister’s authority in the zone.
The caretaker committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth operation of the party in the South-South zone. The committee will oversee the party’s activities, including the organization of party events, management of party finances, and resolution of internal conflicts.
The PDP’s decision to establish a caretaker committee in the South-South zone is a significant development in the party’s internal politics. The move is seen as a challenge to Wike’s influence in the zone and may lead to further divisions within the party. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor the developments and their impact on the party.