The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee will take charge of the Cross River State chapter, following the expiration of the tenure of the elected State Executive Committee on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
In a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party explained that the directive was aimed at preventing any leadership vacuum and ensuring a seamless transition ahead of the forthcoming State Congress.
The congress, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, will elect a new executive to oversee the party’s affairs in Cross River State.
September 18, 2025
Press Statement @OfficialPDPNig NWC Directs South South Zonal Caretaker Committee to Oversee Cross River State Chapter
Sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the elected Cross River State Executive Committee today, 18th September, 2025, the National… pic.twitter.com/0jilZWQAY7
— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) September 18, 2025
According to the release, the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, chaired by veteran party leader Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, will coordinate with the NWC to supervise the preparations and conduct of the congress.
The committee will also be responsible for managing the day-to-day running of the party in the state until the new State Executive Committee emerges.
Ologunagba emphasised that the decision reflects the PDP’s commitment to stability, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles within its ranks.
He reassured party members in Cross River that the NWC remains determined to provide credible leadership and strengthen the party’s structures ahead of future political contests. “The NWC charges all leaders, stakeholders and members of our party in Cross River State to remain united, steadfast and continue to work together in the overall interest and progress of our great party in the state,” the statement read in part.
The development comes at a critical time for the PDP in Cross River State, which has been a key political battleground in the South-South region. Once a PDP stronghold, the state witnessed significant realignments in recent years, especially following high-profile defections and the ruling party’s growing influence. The forthcoming congress is therefore seen as an opportunity for the PDP to consolidate its base, rebuild internal cohesion, and reassert its presence in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts note that the choice of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee to manage the transition reflects the NWC’s effort to maintain neutrality and avoid factional disputes that often accompany leadership changes at the state level.
Emmanuel Ogidi and his team are expected to deploy their experience in party administration to guarantee a transparent and credible congress.
Stakeholders across the state, including local government party chairmen, youth and women leaders, and members of the State Working Committee, have been urged to cooperate fully with the caretaker body to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Party loyalists have also been reminded to remain law-abiding and focused on the bigger picture of positioning the PDP as the preferred choice of Cross Riverians.
With the countdown to September 27 already underway, the PDP leadership in Abuja is optimistic that the congress will not only produce a fresh state executive but also send a strong signal of unity and preparedness as the party navigates its path toward reclaiming political dominance in Cross River State and beyond.