PDP Voids Cross River Congress, Inaugurates Caretaker Committee Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nullified the recent state congress in Cross River, declaring it invalid and announcing the inauguration of a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the state.

In a statement, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) said no valid congress took place in Cross River, stressing that it would not recognize the outcome of the disputed exercise. To prevent leadership vacuum and maintain order, the party appointed a 17-member caretaker committee to run the chapter for an initial period of three months, pending the conduct of a proper congress.

The committee is chaired by Bassey Eko Ewa, with Bassey Joseph Adim as 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 Rev. Victor Erig Takon.

The development comes amid growing concerns over factional tensions in the state chapter of the PDP. By voiding the congress, the national leadership is seeking to prevent the emergence of parallel structures that could weaken the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

In a related move, the PDP also dissolved the leadership of its Akwa Ibom State chapter and announced a caretaker committee there, underscoring the party’s determination to restructure and stabilize its South-South branches ahead of crucial polls.

Party leaders say the decision reflects PDP’s commitment to discipline and internal democracy, noting that state congresses must strictly follow laid-down rules and procedures.

Political observers believe the intervention is also aimed at uniting the rank and file of the party as it positions itself to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.