PDP Declares Cross River Congress As “Hallucination”, Warns of Sanctions

-SPECIAL REPORT-

PARTY POLITICS: PDP Declares Cross River Congress As “Hallucination”, Warns of Sanctions

In a dramatic twist within Nigeria’s political landscape, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has categorically dismissed the purported state congress held in Cross River as a fabrication, labeling it a “hallucination” and warning of impending disciplinary measures against those involved.

The declaration came during a press briefing in Abuja, where PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, addressed journalists on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Ologunagba clarified that no congress was held in Cross River, Plateau, or Kebbi States, as the NWC had formally postponed the exercises. He emphasized that the procedural requirements for a valid congress, such as approval of dates by the NWC and NEC, notification of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the constitution of both electoral and appeal panels, had not been fulfilled. Consequently, any gathering claiming to be a congress lacked legitimacy and was not recognized by the party.

The PDP spokesperson described the alleged congress in Calabar as a mere “political carnival,” asserting that it was not sanctioned by the party and did not follow due process. He warned that members who participated in or orchestrated the event risk facing sanctions for bringing the party into disrepute. “There’s a constitution. We all subscribed to be members and we swore to obey it,” he stated firmly.

Despite the PDP’s official stance, reports indicate that a congress did take place in Calabar on September 27, 2025, during which Venatius Ikem was re-elected as Chairman alongside 38 other members of the State Executive Committee. The event was reportedly observed by INEC, police, DSS, NSCDC, and other statutory bodies, raising questions about internal coordination within the party.

Adding to the confusion, two conflicting letters were sent to INEC: one from National Chairman Umar Damagum announcing the postponement, and another from National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu insisting the congresses would proceed.

While Anyanwu cited constitutional provisions requiring joint signatures for validity, the Damagum-led NWC maintained that the committee’s collective decision overrides individual correspondence.

The controversy also coincides with speculation surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential candidacy in the 2027 elections. Professor Jerry Gana had suggested Jonathan might contest under the PDP banner, but Ologunagba distanced the party from such claims, stating that Jonathan remains a respected member but has not declared any intention to run. He reiterated that the PDP boasts a pool of qualified leaders, particularly among its governors, who are capable of leading the nation.

As the PDP prepares for its national convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, the internal discord and conflicting signals from party leadership threaten to undermine its cohesion. The party insists that its processes must be respected and that any deviation will be met with appropriate disciplinary action.