PDP Crisis Deepens as South-South Governors Demand New Congress After Dan Orbih’s Election

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

Reports suggest that four PDP governors—Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)—are calling for a fresh congress or the removal of Orbih. They aim to install their own loyalists in the South-South leadership of the party.

The controversy arose following a zonal congress held last Saturday in Calabar, Cross River State, where Orbih emerged as chairman with 174 votes. Other elected officials included 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 conducting the congress, the party proceeded with the election. Wike, who attended the event, declared that no further congress would take place in the region.

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

The four South-South governors are particularly displeased with Wike and his allies for dominating the congress without consulting them. An insider revealed,

“The governors are unhappy that a congress was held in their zone without their involvement. They cannot tolerate Wike dictating to them in the South-South. They believe it is their turn to decide who leads the PDP in the region.”

Another source confirmed that the governors are working with the NWC to challenge the congress results in court and organize a new election that aligns with their interests.

“The governors will not just stand by. Wike cannot continue to act like a demigod. The crisis has now spread from Rivers State to the entire South-South,”

the insider said.

In response, the PDP National Leadership officially informed INEC that the South-South Zonal Congress had been postponed due to “operational constraints,” signaling support for the governors’ position.