PDP names South-South Caretaker Committee, ignores Wike

In a bold move to assert control, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a caretaker committee to manage the South-South zone. The decision, announced in a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba on Friday, is seen as a direct challenge to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

The NWC said that the appointment comes as the current zonal executive’s term ends on Sunday, March 9, 2025, and that the new caretaker committee will take over from Monday, March 10, 2025, in line with the PDP constitution as amended in 2017. The committee includes Bro. Emma Ogidi as Chairman; Hon. Nicholas Ayuwa; Barr. Godwin Akpan Udonta; Mrs. Bekewei Ashanti; Idehen Ebomoyi; Dame Vivian Ahanmisi; and Chief Damiete Herbert-Miller as Secretary. According to the party, the group will oversee activities in the zone for three months or until a new executive is elected, with a call for all party leaders and members to unite for the zone’s benefit.

This move follows the PDP NWC’s recent disavowal of a South-South Zonal Congress organized by Wike in Calabar, Cross River State, two weeks ago. The leadership had declared the congress unofficial, a decision that deepened the rift between Wike and the NWC. In response, Wike dismissed the NWC’s stance, stating, “Nobody can intimidate me,” and maintained that the Calabar congress—attended by former Cross River Governor Donald Duke—was final, with no further congresses planned in the zone.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the recent congress saw the re-election of South-South Zonal Vice Chairman Dan Orbih, further complicating the region’s leadership dynamics. The appointment of the caretaker committee underscores the PDP’s determination to manage internal affairs and ensure a smooth transition as the party gears up for its next phase of leadership in the South-South zone.