CALABAR – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State is teetering on the brink of an open war as the party’s national leadership has issued a stern warning to a rebellious faction against proceeding with a scheduled state congress, vowing to enforce discipline against defiant members.
The crisis erupted after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) indefinitely postponed the congress originally slated for Saturday, citing an “atmosphere of confusion.” However, a rival group within the state chapter, allegedly obtaining a court injunction, has signalled its intention to conduct the congress regardless.
Addressing journalists at a meeting in Calabar on Wednesday, the Chairman of the PDP South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, dropped the party’s proverbial gloves. Dismissing the rival faction’s legal manoeuvres, he declared that the party was prepared to sanction any member who flouts the NWC’s directive.
“If you don’t flog the child, you will spoil the child,” Ogidi stated, invoking a pointed proverb to underscore the party’s resolve. “So, in the appropriate time, which is not far, we will see discipline. We are going to discipline every member following our own rules.”
Ogidi, who is also a member of the NWC, emphatically asserted the authority of his committee, describing it as the only body recognized by the party’s highest organs. He questioned the legitimacy of the planned parallel congress, asking, “I don’t know where they are going to get the materials from.”
The zonal chairman’s comments highlight a deep-seated power struggle for the soul of the party in the state. While one faction aligns with the national leadership, the other appears determined to establish its own structure, a move that threatens to fracture the party ahead of crucial future elections.
When asked about the alleged injunction restricting the party, Ogidi displayed defiance, noting that the document was merely “seen online” and asserting that the Supreme Court had previously ruled that internal party affairs, when conducted according to its rules, are paramount.
“Nobody is afraid to go to court. Nobody is afraid to see the police. We have lawyers here,” he added, signalling a readiness for a prolonged legal and political battle.
With no new date set for the congress and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting expected in October, the stage is set for a tense showdown that will test the party’s internal cohesion and its ability to present a united front in Cross River State.
