MORE PROBLEMS FOR PDP AS DAMAGUM, ANYANWU SEND DIFFERENT LETTERS TO INEC OVER CROSS RIVER EXCO, WHILE ONE ANNOUNCED POSTPONEMENT OF CONGRESS, THE OTHER ANNOUNCED THAT IT’S PROCEEDING

Debo Ologunagba, the Party’s Publicity Secretary in a signed statement, announced the postponement of the scheduled 27th September Congresses to elect new Party leadership in Plateau, Cross River and Kebbi chapters.. The NWC also directed the Emmanuel Ogidi-led South South Zonal Executive Committee to take charge from September 30th after the expiration of the tenure of the current Cross River State EXCO.

However, Venatius Ikem Chairman of the PDP in Cross River State defying the directive, insists that the Congress must hold on same date. Ikem, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Party and known ally of the FCT Minister has threatened legal action against the Party. He argues that the State Executive Committee possess the right to hold Congresses and National body to monitor.

In March 2025, 26 out of the 31 Cross River State EXCO members announced a vote of no confidence on Ikem, citing high handedness, corruption and leading the Party unilaterally as well as poor election outcomes in 2023.

To complicate an already vexed issue, two conflicting letters from the National Working Committee has been directed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Whilst the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has signed a letter informing INEC of the postponement until a new date yet to be fixed, Samuel Anyanwu, the Party’s Secretary has directed another letter to INEC urging Damagum’s letter to be ignored and the Congress to proceed.