PDP Crisis Deepens: NWC Lacks Authority To Conduct Zonal Election – Turner Fires Back

His statement follows the decision of PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, who on Thursday nullified the February 22 South-South zonal election held in Calabar, Cross River State, which was attended by Nyesom Wike.

Reacting to the NWC’s action in an interview with Arise News, Turner maintained that the committee lacks the constitutional power to conduct zonal elections.

He emphasized that the Calabar Congress that elected him as South-South Zonal Secretary was carried out in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“It is not uncommon for different organs within an organization like the PDP to have disagreements. The constitution serves as the guiding principle that defines each organ’s roles and responsibilities. Even within Nigeria’s federal system, disputes arise between the central and state governments, which the courts resolve. Right now, the issue at hand is a conflict between the zonal leadership and the national body regarding the conduct of elections for the Zonal Working Committee. The matter is already before a competent court for determination.

“So, I won’t go into too many details, but I can say for certain that we conducted a valid Congress in Calabar, following the constitutionally established rules and procedures. To date, there has been no legal challenge against the Congress or its outcome, except for the NWC’s claim that they did not conduct it. However, the constitution does not grant them the power to do so,” Turner stated.

He also challenged the newly appointed Zonal Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, to point out any provision in the PDP constitution that empowers the NWC to organize zonal elections.

“Let me ask: Who conducts the national elections? It is the national convention, not the NWC. So why should they conduct elections for themselves? The constitution clearly assigns the responsibility of organizing elections to the appropriate party organs. If Chief Emmanuel Ogidi can point to a single provision in the constitution that authorizes the NWC to conduct elections for the South-South Zonal Working Committee, I will abandon my argument and even relinquish my office,” Turner declared.