PDP Dares Wike, Sets Up South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a decisive step in restructuring its leadership in the South-South geopolitical zone, a move that has sparked political tensions within the party. On March 7, 2025, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the formation of a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the region.

The newly appointed committee is chaired by Emma Ogidi, with Chief Damiete Herbert-Miller as Secretary. Other members include Nicholas Ayuwa, Godwin Akpan Udonta, Bekewei Ashanti, Idehen Ebomoyim, and Dame Vivian Ahanmisi. The committee’s mandate is to manage the party’s affairs in the South-South for three months, starting March 10, 2025, or until a new zonal executive is elected. The decision was based on the expiration of the tenure of the previous zonal leadership on March 9, 2025, and the PDP’s resolve to prevent any leadership vacuum.

Tensions with Nyesom Wike Over Party Control

The decision to appoint a caretaker committee has reignited tensions between the Peoples Democratic Partyand the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who remains a dominant figure in South-South politics. Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, has been vocal about his influence within the party and his opposition to any attempts to weaken his political grip in the region.

In September 2024, Wike publicly warned PDP governors and party leaders against meddling in Rivers State’s PDP structure. He threatened to destabilize any state where leaders attempted to challenge his authority, saying, “I will put fire in their states… as far as I know, that you are trying to put yourself in Rivers State, your hand will get burnt.” His remarks underscored the deep-seated factional struggles within the party, particularly between Wike’s camp and the PDP leadership under acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.

PDP’s Justification and Legal Hurdles

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, defended the decision to establish a caretaker committee, stressing that it was necessary for the party’s stability in the region. He stated that the move was in line with the PDP’s constitution and aimed at ensuring smooth party operations until a fresh zonal congress could be conducted.

However, the decision has faced legal obstacles. The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt recently issued an order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party and the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, from holding the zonal congress. The lawsuit, filed by Peoples Democratic Party members from Rivers State—Tonu Ejiogu and Field Nkor—challenged the party’s decision, further complicating the already tense situation.

Despite the court’s ruling, the NWC proceeded with appointing the caretaker committee, signaling its determination to assert control over the South-South zone. This move has been interpreted as a direct challenge to Wike’s influence, as the party seeks to regain a stronghold in the politically strategic region.

Power Struggles and the Future of PDP in the South-South

The unfolding power struggle within the PDP highlights the party’s internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The South-South region has historically been a stronghold for the Peoples Democratic Party, and controlling the party structure in the zone is crucial for electoral success.

Wike, despite his current role in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, still wields considerable influence over the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State and beyond. His relationship with the Peoples Democratic Partyhas remained complex, with many party stakeholders viewing him as a disruptive force. The appointment of a caretaker committee, perceived as an attempt to neutralize Wike’s influence, could further deepen rifts within the party and lead to intensified political maneuvering.

What Lies Ahead for PDP in the South-South?

The PDP now faces the challenge of maintaining unity while asserting its authority in the South-South. The effectiveness of the caretaker committee will be crucial in determining the party’s strength in the region ahead of the next elections.

Political analysts suggest that the PDP leadership must navigate this crisis carefully to avoid further fragmentation. If Wike retaliates politically, it could lead to defections, further weakening the party’s chances in future elections. Conversely, a well-managed transition under the caretaker committee could strengthen the Peoples Democratic Party’s grip on the region and enhance its electoral prospects.

As the PDP moves forward with its restructuring, all eyes will be on how Wike and his allies respond in the coming weeks. Will the party succeed in reasserting control over the South-South, or will this power struggle further divide the opposition party? The next few months will be crucial in shaping the PDP’s future in one of its most politically significant strongholds.