Israel Oluyemi
The Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disagrees with the position of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) over the validity of its state congress.
In a statement issued in Calabar on Wednesday, the state Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, says the chapter rejects the NWC’s claim that no legitimate congress takes place in the state.
He insists that the congress, held on September 27, is properly organized, monitored, and conducted in line with party rules and regulations.
Ojisi explains that the congress is supervised by a panel set up by the party and observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He stresses that their involvement confirms the legality of the process, saying, “The said Congress was duly monitored by all duly constituted authorities, including the INEC team of observers which was ably led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner himself, the Police and Civil Defence.”
Ojisi argues that the NWC’s objection is not based on any official meeting or resolution, but on an informal online chat among a few members.
He says, “A purported social media chat between five members of the NWC cannot constitute a National Working Committee of the Party, talk more of taking such a fundamental decision.”
He maintains that the Cross River PDP defends the credibility of the congress to uphold due process and protect the image of the party in the state.
Ojisi reaffirms the chapter’s loyalty to the PDP constitution and its commitment to legitimate decisions.
He says, “As law-abiding party members, we remain committed to the ideals of the party and loyal to all legitimate decisions taken in accordance with extant rules.”
Meanwhile, the NWC, speaking from Abuja through the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insists that it has postponed the exercise and that no valid congress takes place in Cross River, Plateau, or Kebbi.
Ologunagba says, “For emphasis, there was none. There was no congress in Cross River State for the PDP, because it has been postponed, along with that of Plateau and Kebbi.”
He warns that members who participate in the Calabar congress risk disciplinary action for violating party directives.