The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled the inauguration of its South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee for Thursday, March 13, 2025. The ceremony will take place at the National Executive Committee Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, at 11 am, according to a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
This appointment comes amid ongoing leadership tensions in the region. The caretaker committee, chaired by Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, will oversee party activities in the South-South until a new Zonal Executive Committee is elected in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The controversy began when the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt issued a restraining order against the PDP and National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, blocking them from holding a zonal congress. Despite this legal restriction, the party proceeded with the congress on February 22 in Calabar, Cross River State, where Orbih was declared winner with 174 votes alongside other officials.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who supported the Calabar congress, described the South-South as the PDP’s strongest base and insisted no further congress would be necessary in the zone. However, four South-South governors distanced themselves from the proceedings, prompting the PDP’s National Working Committee under acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to reject the election results.
The newly appointed caretaker committee includes Nicholas Ayuwa, Godwin Akpan Udonta, Bekewei Ashanti, Idehen Ebomoyi, Vivian Ahanmisi, with Damiete Herbert-Miller serving as Secretary and Dr. Chris Uduoaka as Administrative Secretary.
The NWC has called on PDP leaders, stakeholders, and members in the South-South to maintain unity and commitment to the party’s progress as the committee assumes temporary leadership of the zone.
