In a decisive move to stabilise its structures in key South-South states, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially constituted State Caretaker Committees for its Cross River and Akwa Ibom chapters. This action, announced on December 31, 2025, is a critical component of the party’s nationwide reorganisation efforts, aimed at strengthening interim leadership pending fresh congresses.
The decision, disclosed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ini Ememobong, in Abuja, followed extensive deliberations at the national secretariat. It underscores the PDP’s focus on resolving internal administrative challenges and ensuring a unified front in these politically significant states.
Constitutional Basis and Strategic Rationale
The caretaker committees were approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC). This was done pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2025), which grants the NEC the power to establish such interim structures where necessary.
The appointment of caretaker committees is a common political strategy, often deployed to:
- Resolve Factional Crises: Provide neutral, interim leadership to oversee party affairs when existing executives are divided or their tenure is disputed.
- Prepare for Congresses: Create a level playing field and manage the logistics for electing new state executives.
- Ensure Continuity: Maintain party administration and activities without a leadership vacuum during transitional periods.
For the PDP, which seeks to reclaim its dominance in the South-South, stabilising its chapters in Akwa Ibom and Cross River—both traditional strongholds—is of paramount importance ahead of future electoral cycles.
Composition of the Cross River State Caretaker Committee
The party appointed a 20-member committee to steer affairs in Cross River State for an interim period. The leadership trio is tasked with the core administrative responsibilities:
- Chairman: Bassey Ewa
- Secretary: Dr. Bassey Adim
- Administrative Secretary: Emmanuel Ekpe
Other members include Dr. Joe Edet, Udie Mike, Dr. Lynne Bassey, Etim Okon, Ankot Cohbom, Ofana Odo, Dr. Onun Unoh, Ebaye Akunjom, Godswill Obindim, Edem Ekong, Raymond Abo, Moses Bisuakefe, Agabi Oko, Walter Esom, Ekpo Asuquo, and Pastor Victor Takon. This broad composition suggests an attempt to achieve geographic and factional balance within the state party.
Composition of the Akwa Ibom State Caretaker Committee
Similarly, a substantial 28-member committee was inaugurated for Akwa Ibom State, featuring a defined executive portfolio structure for clearer role delineation:
- Chairman: Igwat Umoren
- Deputy Chairman: Harrison Ekpo
- Secretary: Borono Bassey
- Publicity Secretary: Ewa Okpo
- Organising Secretary: Uduak Essien
- Youth Leader: Aniekan Asuquo
- Women Leader: Mary Abara
- Legal Adviser: Enoch Enoch
The committee is rounded out by members including Aniebiet Cornelius, Udim Peters, Ayanime Obot, Ofon Michael, Mandu Effiong, David Umanah, Usenmfon Ibanga, Unwana Assam, Obong Ogbuji, Kufre Umoh, Emibana Ubolum, Gregory Etim, Iberedem Asamamnyie, Mtom Ben, Iniobong Ukwak, Emmanuel Umah, Ekaette Philips, Effiong Bassey, Effiong Onukak, Ime Okwong, Kate Atabia, David Ibanga, and Ukoette Ukoette.
Mandate, Duration, and Implications
According to Ememobong, the committees are mandated to manage all party affairs in their respective states. Their authority is derived from Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution, and their tenure is strictly interim.
The committees are to serve for a maximum period of three months, or until new state executives are elected through congresses, whichever comes first. This timeline imposes urgency on the committees to reconcile members, update membership registers, and conduct credible congresses that will produce widely accepted leadership.
The success of these caretaker committees will be a litmus test for the PDP’s internal democratic processes and its ability to self-correct. Their primary challenge will be to navigate existing political loyalties and grievances to foster unity. Failure could lead to further defections or weakened electoral prospects, while success would consolidate the party’s base and operational readiness.
Reported by Emmanuel Oloniruha for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Abiemwense Moru.
