A coalition of prominent Peoples Democratic Party leaders aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has demanded that the party’s National Chairman position remain in the North-Central geopolitical zone ahead of the November national convention.
The group, operating under the banner of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, convened in Abuja on Monday night to address critical issues facing the party as it prepares for leadership elections.
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who read the meeting’s communique, emphasized that the 2021 convention’s zoning arrangement must be respected to maintain party stability.
“For peace and stability, the office of the National Chairman must remain in the North-Central in line with the 2021 convention’s zoning arrangement,” the statement declared, while rejecting any attempts at micro-zoning within the region.
The stakeholders also called for immediate intervention to resolve lingering disputes in three states. They demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and Ekiti states, citing outstanding legal and administrative issues that could undermine the convention’s credibility.
“We remain committed to equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law, principles on which the PDP was built and must continue to stand,” Ortom stated during the briefing.
The group specifically urged the National Working Committee to organize fresh and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states as directed by courts, while calling for a legitimate South-East zonal congress. They also insisted that the outcome of the South-South congress, which has received court recognition, must be respected.
The leaders warned that ignoring their resolutions could invalidate the planned November 15-16 convention in Ibadan and disenfranchise legitimate party members.
“Unity cannot be achieved through exclusion, disenfranchisement, or disregard for valid court rulings. For the convention to be credible, it must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” the communique emphasized.
The high-profile meeting brought together significant party figures including Wike, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Ayo Fayose, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, along with House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and several current and former lawmakers.
The group’s position adds another layer of complexity to the PDP’s internal dynamics as the party struggles to present a united front following its 2023 electoral defeat. Their stance on zoning arrangements could influence the selection of key party officers and shape the opposition party’s strategy for future elections.
The stakeholders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to working with all party organs to ensure the convention becomes “a watershed moment, a moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity.”
