By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed reports of a recent state congress in Cross River, clarifying that no such election took place.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made this clear during a press briefing in Abuja.
Ologunagba emphasized that the party leadership had already postponed the congress initially scheduled for Cross River, along with those in Plateau and Kebbi states.
“To be clear, there was no congress held in Cross River.
“The PDP leadership had officially announced the postponement of congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi,” he stated firmly.
He added that, so far, congresses have successfully been conducted in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Adamawa, Borno, Niger, and Kogi, with Ekiti’s congress occurring recently on Monday.
Highlighting the party’s internal process, Ologunagba explained, “According to the PDP Constitution, the National Working Committee (NWC) will review the outcomes of all congresses held.
“Where executive tenures have expired, such as in Cross River and Plateau, the NWC will appoint Caretaker Committees to manage party affairs temporarily.”
He confirmed that the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee currently oversees the PDP chapter in Cross River, as directed by the NWC.
Describing the alleged Cross River congress as “a pre-Christmas carnival and hallucination,” Ologunagba underscored the party’s strict adherence to constitutional procedures.
“There is a process to conduct congresses, including the constitution of an electoral panel by the NWC.
“Since that was never done, any claims of a congress are purely fictitious—a carnival of excitement with no basis,” he said.
On the upcoming national convention slated for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Ologunagba confirmed that sales of expression of interest and nomination forms for national offices began on September 3 and ended on September 22.
Due to the need for more consultations, the National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) has extended deadlines for submitting completed forms and screening candidates, with new dates to be announced.
Regarding the 2026 Ekiti governorship race, Ologunagba revealed that five aspirants—three men and two women—have purchased forms to contest the party’s ticket.
When asked about remarks by PDP chieftain Chief Jerry Gana, who suggested former President Goodluck Jonathan might run in 2027, Ologunagba said, “I have not spoken to either Chief Gana or former President Jonathan on this matter.
“While Jonathan remains a PDP member, the party has many qualified Nigerians, including sitting governors, ready to contest the 2027 presidential election.”
With these clarifications, the PDP seeks to reaffirm its commitment to transparency and due process amid speculation and rumors surrounding its internal elections.
