South-South PDP governors reject Orbih’s leadership, demand fresh congress

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as South-South governors push back against the newly elected Zonal Chairman, Dan Orbih, and other executives reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Four governors—Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)—are demanding Orbih’s removal or a fresh congress, insisting on installing their loyalists in the South-South leadership of the party.

The dispute stems from a controversial zonal congress held last Saturday in Calabar, Cross River State, where Orbih was elected chairman with 174 votes. Other newly elected officials include: Alabah Turnah (Secretary); Evelyn Weke (Treasurer); Ijeoma Obani (Financial Secretary); Timothy Okwoche (Organizing Secretary); Iyrneri Briggs (Legal Adviser); Prince Etim Isong (Publicity Secretary); Loveday Abaribote (Auditor); Phenomena Esubok (Woman Leader) and Patrick Asuquo (Youth Leader).

Despite a court order from a Rivers State High Court restraining the PDP from holding the congress, the event proceeded, with Wike in attendance. The FCT Minister declared that no other congress would take place in the region.

However, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) later distanced itself from the congress, stating that it was not officially recognized.

In a move that seemingly supports the governors’ stance, the PDP NWC formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the South-South Zonal Congress had been postponed due to “operational constraints.”

Senior PDP sources revealed that the governors were infuriated by Wike’s unilateral approach and are now determined to challenge the outcome.

READ ALSO: Gov. Wike hosts South-South Governors meeting

“The governors are frustrated that the congress was held in their zone without their involvement. They cannot accept Wike’s dominance in the South-South. They believe it’s their prerogative to decide who leads the PDP in the region,” a top party official disclosed.

Another insider confirmed that the governors are working closely with the PDP NWC to challenge the election results legally and ensure another congress is held.

“The governors will not sit back. Wike cannot continue acting like a demigod. The crisis has now spread beyond Rivers State to the entire South-South,” the source added.

The escalating rift within the South-South PDP underscores the growing divide between Wike’s camp and other power blocs in the party.

Political analysts suggest that this battle could have significant implications for the PDP’s cohesion and electoral strength in the 2027 general elections.

As the tension mounts, all eyes are on the PDP leadership and the judiciary to determine the legality of the Calabar congress and whether a fresh election will be mandated. The coming weeks are expected to bring more political maneuvering as both sides brace for a prolonged struggle over the control of the South-South PDP.