Dan Orbih re-elected PDP South-South zonal chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Zone has re-elected Dan Orbih as its zonal chairman following a congress held on Saturday in Calabar, Cross River State. However, the election has sparked controversy, with the party’s national leadership disowning the event.

The election, which took place despite ongoing disputes within the party, saw Orbih secure 174 votes to retain his position. Vita Abba, chairman of the electoral committee, announced the results and confirmed the election of other zonal officials, including:

– Alabah Turnah – Secretary
– Evelyn Weke – Treasurer
– Ijeoma Obani – Financial Secretary
– Timothy Okwoche – Organising Secretary
– Iyrneri Briggs – Legal Adviser
– Prince Etim Isong – Publicity Secretary
– Loveday Abaribote – Auditor
– Phenomena Esubok – Woman Leader
– Patrick Asuquo – Youth Leader

Following his re-election, Orbih acknowledged the challenges facing the PDP in the South-South and vowed to eliminate impunity and imposition within the party while initiating a rebuilding and rebranding process.

Read also: PDP secures landslide victory in Osun LG elections

“We will continue to do what is right for the interest and development of our party in the South-South and Nigeria,” Orbih stated.

He further emphasized, “This is a very critical moment in the history of our party, and we are going to do all we can to end the era of impunity and imposition. The expectations are high, but we will not disappoint the party.”

While the South-South PDP faction celebrated Orbih’s victory, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP distanced itself from the congress, declaring that the event was not an officially sanctioned gathering.

In a statement issued on Saturday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party dismissed the congress, calling it a “social gathering” rather than an official party event.

Despite the NWC’s rejection of the congress, Orbih insisted that the election was legitimate and compliant with legal directives. He refuted claims of a court injunction preventing the congress, stating that the election was held under the guidance of a Federal High Court order in Abuja.

The controversy surrounding the South-South PDP congress highlights the ongoing internal tensions within the party, raising questions about its leadership and unity ahead of future elections.

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