PDP Holds Cross River Congress Amid Heavy Security
On Saturday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its state congress in Cross River at the Venetian Arena, Calabar, under tight security, despite a national directive postponing the exercise.
Over 1,000 delegates from the state’s 18 local government areas were already in attendance as security operatives maintained a strong presence around the venue.
The congress followed Wednesday’s announcement by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) dissolving the state working committee (SWC) and postponing the exercise, citing the expiration of its tenure. However, the Venatius Ikem-led SWC dismissed the directive, insisting it had no authority to halt the congress and affirming that the exercise must go ahead as scheduled.
The Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Hon. Jones Chukwudi, officially declared the congress open, assuring delegates of a transparent and credible process. He emphasized that the event was aimed at preparing the party for future electoral battles, not internal rivalries.
“We already have a harmonized list of candidates, so we expect the process to be seamless. However, in compliance with our constitution and guidelines, there will still be voting after accreditation, local government by local government,” Chukwudi said. He further assured delegates that original result sheets and ballot papers would be presented before voting commenced to guarantee transparency.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary of the Committee, Hon. TJ Yusuf, appealed to aspirants and supporters to treat the congress as a “family affair” and to conduct themselves peacefully.
“It is natural for contests to arise, but we must remember that this is a family affair. Let peace and unity guide us,” Yusuf said.
As of press time, accreditation of delegates was ongoing, with party leaders preparing to address the gathering. Officials expressed optimism that the exercise would strengthen the party’s unity in Cross River State.
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