The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the National Working Committee’s (NWC) claims that no congress was held in the state.
The party insisted that the exercise was valid, considering that the process was held in adherence to the PDP regulations guiding the conduct of congresses.
Addressing the controversy in a statement on Tuesday, the State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, said the congress was not only authorized but also monitored by relevant authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, and the Civil Defence Corps.
“The said congress was duly monitored by all duly constituted authorities, including the INEC team led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner himself, the Police and Civil Defence,” Ojisi stated.
He described the alleged decision of the NWC to nullify the process as “baseless,” stressing that no legitimate congress decision can emanate from what he called “a purported social media chat” involving a few members of the national leadership.
Ojisi challenged the NWC to publish details of when and where such a meeting was held, alongside the memorandum that authorized its decision.
He further argued that the conduct of congresses does not rest on the whims of individuals at the national level but on clearly defined party rules and regulations.
“As law-abiding party members, we remain committed to the ideals of the PDP and loyal to all legitimate decisions taken in line with extant rules guiding the process,” he said.
But countering the state chapter, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had earlier told journalists in Abuja that no congress took place in Cross River, Plateau, or Kebbi, noting that the exercises were postponed by the NWC after due consideration.
Ologunagba went further to describe reports of the Cross River congress as “hallucination,” warning that those behind the purported exercise risk disciplinary measures.
“That you imagine that you can sit down and get some people together and have drinks, and call it a congress, that’s hallucination. It’s excitement, a carnival,” he said.
The national spokesman emphasized that congresses can only be valid when the NWC approves dates, notifies INEC with 21 days’ notice, and constitutes electoral and appeal panels.
“This party is bigger than any individual or group of persons. Enough is enough,” Ologunagba warned.
