Allies of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, have declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must stick to its zoning arrangement if its forthcoming national convention is to be considered valid.
At a meeting of the “Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP” in Abuja, the group emphasized that the position of National Chairman must remain with the North-Central region, in line with the zoning formula adopted during the party’s 2021 convention. They warned that any deviation would undermine the credibility of the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the group, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom stressed the need for transparent congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and at the local government level in Ekiti State. He further urged the party leadership to recognize the South-South congress already conducted in Calabar earlier this year.
The stakeholders cautioned that any attempt at micro-zoning or manipulation could disenfranchise loyal members, describing such a move as a recipe for crisis. They insisted that fairness and inclusivity are essential if the PDP is to regain its place as the leading opposition party in Nigeria.
Among the key figures at the meeting were Wike, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and former governors Ayodele Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Samuel Ortom. They all reiterated that only a credible convention can restore unity and public trust in the PDP.
