By John Alechenu, Abuja

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has disowned the South-South Zonal Congress organized by loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 22.

In his first public statement on the controversial congress, Damagum emphasized that the PDP had not conducted any official congress in the South-South zone, as the tenure of the previous executives had only recently expired.

Speaking during the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum clarified the party’s position.

“This is a very important occasion, and I want to use this opportunity to make it clear that, as far as the PDP is concerned, no election has taken place in the South-South,” he said.

“The tenure of the zonal committee has expired, and we still have a few weeks or about a month before conducting the zonal congresses. In the meantime, we found it necessary to set up this caretaker committee.

“I have known and worked with some of you before, and I have no doubt that you will diligently execute your responsibilities and help usher in the soon-to-be-elected Executive Committee of the zone.

“I urge you to be fair, non-partisan, and committed to ensuring an all-inclusive leadership in the zone.”

Damagum reaffirmed the PDP’s strength and legacy, asserting that the party remains the best choice for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I want to remind Nigerians that the PDP is still the party to beat. We are one of the oldest and most experienced parties, tested over 27 years,” he said.



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