The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State on Saturday defied the National Working Committee (NWC) by proceeding with its long-anticipated congress, which took place under heavy security surveillance.
Despite the NWC’s directive suspending the exercise, the State Working Committee (SWC), led by Chairman Venatius Ikem, insisted that the national leadership lacked the authority to stop the congress.
The SWC described the move as an “illegal interference,” stressing that the party constitution empowered state organs to carry out their internal elections.
The congress, which drew hundreds of delegates from across the 18 local government areas of the state, was heavily guarded by security operatives including police officers, civil defence personnel, and plain-clothes security agents.
Armoured vehicles and patrol vans were stationed near the venue in Calabar, while security checkpoints were mounted along adjoining streets to forestall any outbreak of violence.
Party insiders said the build-up to the congress had been tense, following weeks of internal wrangling between the state chapter and the national leadership over control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The congress is expected to elect new officers for the state executive council.
Addressing delegates, Ikem maintained that the exercise was both legitimate and necessary to reposition the PDP in Cross River, where the party has suffered major setbacks since losing the governorship to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He urged members to remain united and assured them that the congress would produce leaders with “the capacity to rebuild the party and reconnect with grassroots supporters.”
Although some party stakeholders aligned with the NWC boycotted the event, loyalists of the SWC turned out in large numbers, chanting solidarity songs and declaring their support for the state leadership.
Political analysts note that the defiance signals deepening cracks within the PDP, especially as it prepares for critical off-cycle elections and the broader battle for relevance in 2027.
Observers also warned that the parallel positions between the state and national organs could lead to litigation or further internal conflict.
As of press time, results from the congress were still being collated, with party officials promising to release the full list of elected officers in the coming days.
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