By Edem Ekpo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has been thrown into fresh controversy as the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the postponement of the state congress earlier scheduled for Saturday, sparking sharp resistance from the state leadership.
The South-South Vice Chairman of the party and caretaker of the state chapter, Mr. Emma Ogidi, told journalists in Calabar on Wednesday that the congress was put on hold to allow time for reconciliation among warring factions of the party.
“When I arrived at the party secretariat with my colleagues, we were surprised at the cold reception. The state leadership did not accord us recognition, even though they were in their offices. That showed us that all is not well in the party here,” Ogidi said.
He stressed that the NWC’s mandate was to take charge of the state chapter and ensure unity before any congress could be held. “Our job is to mend fences. We will remain in Calabar, meet with stakeholders, and explore ways to work together. Until then, the congress is on hold,” he added.
However, state PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, rejected the postponement, insisting that the congress will hold as scheduled. He accused some former party stakeholders, now apologists of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of fueling confusion in order to impose their stooges in the PDP while advancing the coalition project in the state.
Ikem, who is a member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), maintained that his tenure remains valid until September 29, 2025, and argued that the NEC, not the NWC, has the constitutional authority to determine congress dates.
“The NWC is not the NEC, of which I am a member. They have no moral, legal, or constitutional authority to overrule the NEC’s decision,” Ikem declared.
He vowed to resist any unconstitutional action and, if necessary, challenge the purported dissolution of the state executive in court. He further disclosed that all logistical preparations for the congress had been concluded.
“Our election was held on September 18, 2021, and we were sworn in on September 29. I have submitted my oath of office and allegiance. Let anyone claiming otherwise produce theirs,” Ikem insisted.
The unfolding dispute has deepened divisions within the PDP in Cross River, raising fears about the party’s cohesion ahead of crucial political contests in the state.