The South West zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that it has not scheduled any state congresses in the region, dismissing reports circulating among members and the public.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Sanya Atofarati, the South West Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, described the claims as “false and mischievous.”
“At no time has the party approved or announced any state congress in the South West,” he said.
The response followed the circulation of alleged timetables suggesting that the party was preparing to conduct congresses across the six states in Nigeria’s South West geopolitical zone. In Nigeria, party congresses are internal processes used to elect officials and reorganise leadership structures at various levels.
The development comes amid an internal leadership dispute within the PDP at the national level. The party has split into two factions, one led by Samuel Anyanwu and another under Taminu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Atofarati said there is no need for congresses in most South West states because their leadership structures are already in place. “Five of the six South West states have duly elected and legally constituted state executives,” he stated.
He clarified that Osun State is the only state in the region where a different arrangement exists. “The only exception is Osun State, where a Caretaker Committee was validly appointed by the National Working Committee in January 2026.”
He also urged party members and the public to ignore what he called a “sham timetable” being circulated by individuals he described as expelled members without legitimacy.
“Having been lawfully removed by the national convention, the party’s highest decision-making organ, their desperate bid to cause confusion will fail,” Atofarati said.
The statement added that under the leadership of National Chairman Taminu Turaki, the party is focused on rebuilding its structures around discipline, unity, and internal democracy.
Atofarati encouraged members across the South West to participate in the ongoing membership registration and validation exercise at ward and local government levels, describing it as important for strengthening the party ahead of future political activities.
“We call on all committed members across the Southwest to troop out en masse to their wards and local government areas for the ongoing membership registration and validation exercise.
“This is vital to strengthening our structures and preparing for the democratic tasks ahead,” he added.