The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has dismissed the South-South zonal congress organized by members loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, insisting it holds no legitimacy.
The congress, conducted in Cross River State under the leadership of Chief Dan Orbih, was endorsed by Wike, who declared it as the only valid congress for the zone.
However, speaking at the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee at the PDP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum maintained that the tenure of the previous committee had expired, making it necessary to set up a caretaker committee before a proper congress could be held.
“This is a very important occasion, and I want to make it clear that there was no valid election in the South-South as far as the PDP is concerned,” Damagum stated.
“The tenure of the outgoing zonal committee has expired, and we still have some time before conducting zonal congresses. That is why we have constituted this caretaker committee.”
He urged members of the newly inaugurated committee to remain neutral and work towards forming an inclusive executive for the zone.
“I believe you will be diligent in your responsibilities and ensure a smooth transition to a newly elected zonal executive,” he added.
Damagum also took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the PDP remains the dominant political force in the country.
“The PDP has been tested for 27 years, making it one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties. The APC and other parties are not even 10 years old. If we have stood firm for nearly three decades, then Nigerians know where the real political strength lies,” he said.
He further cautioned PDP leaders against aligning with the APC-led administration out of fear, urging them to stay resolute in their commitment to the party’s principles.
“Nobody can determine your destiny except you. I find it troubling that some of our leaders are supporting this administration at the center. Let’s be honest with ourselves, there’s no reason for fear. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no one is more entitled to this country than another.”
Damagum expressed confidence that with unity and determination, the PDP would reclaim its rightful position and lead Nigeria towards a better future.
