PDP Voids Cross River Congress, Appoints Caretaker Committee Amid Party Rift

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has annulled the purported state congress in Cross River and inaugurated a caretaker committee to run the party’s affairs for the next three months.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following confusion over conflicting directives issued by party leaders.

Confusion over congress date

Ologunagba explained that PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, had officially informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on September 25 that congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi States had been postponed.

However, a separate letter signed by PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, instructed that the Cross River congress proceed as scheduled on September 27.

Ologunagba clarified that while some individuals gathered in Calabar on the date in question, no valid congress took place in the state.

Caretaker committee unveiled

He added that the move to establish a caretaker committee followed the expiration of the tenure of the Cross River State Executive Committee, which was elected four years ago.

The new caretaker team will be chaired by Bassey Eko Ewa, with Bassey Joseph as acting secretary. Other members include Joe Ekpe Edet, Udie Mike, Lynne Bassey, Etim Okon, Ankot Cohbom, Ofana Raphael Odo, Onun Inyang Unoh, Ebaye Akunjom, Godswill Obindim, Edem Ekong, Raymond Abo, Moses Bisuakefe, Agabi Dominic Oko, Walter Nandi Esom, Ekpo Asuquo, and Victor Erig Takon.

The committee is expected to oversee party affairs from October 1, 2025, until a new state executive is elected, but its mandate will not exceed three months.

Call for unity

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Cross River State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party,” Ologunagba said in a statement.

The development underlines ongoing internal disputes within the PDP, as the party attempts to consolidate its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.