Dan Orbih re-elected as PDP South-South Chairman at zonal congress in Calabar

Dan Orbih, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has been re-elected as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the South-South zone.

Orbih secured his position on Saturday during the party’s zonal congress, which took place in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.

Alongside Orbih, several other officials were elected to key positions. Alabah Turnah was named secretary, Evelyn Weke became treasurer, and Ijeoma Obani was appointed financial secretary.

Timothy Okwoche took on the role of organizing secretary. Other appointees include Iyrneri Briggs as legal adviser, Prince Isong as publicity secretary, Loveday Abaribote as auditor, Phenomena Esubok as woman leader, and Patrick Asuquo as youth leader.

The congress drew notable figures from the party, including Nyesom Wike and former Cross River State governor Donald Duke.

The event followed an earlier postponement announced by PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba on Thursday, who stated that a new date would be scheduled.

Following his re-election, Orbih pledged to prioritize the party’s interests and work toward strengthening its position in the region.

“We will continue to do what is right for the interest and development of our party in the South-South and Nigeria,” he said.

“This is a very critical moment in the history of our party, and we are going to do all we can to end the era of impunity and imposition.

“We will also start the process of rebuilding and rebranding our party. The expectations are high, but we will not disappoint the party.”

Wike also emphasized that the South-South remains a stronghold of the party.

“The South-South zone is the strongest zone of the PDP in Nigeria. It has always been and will always be. There is no part of the constitution that says congress should be postponed because of a wedding or traveling,” Wike said.

“There has never been a congress where every delegate was present. The constitution did not say the National Working Committee should conduct a congress but the zone.

“I want to assure you that this is the final zonal congress of the South-South zone. After the election today, no other zonal congress will be held.

“This is our job, our terrain, and we are not new to this.

“Nobody can intimidate me, and I don’t need to be a governor. Let us put ourselves together in truth and ensure our party remains united. We can only be united when we are truthful.

“Let us also shine our eyes and elect leaders that will unite and protect our party.”