Top PDP leaders, Wike loyalists demand retention of PDP chairmanship in North-Central, fresh congresses
Some prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have insisted that the party’s National Chairman must remain in the North-Central.
Meeting in Abuja on Monday night under the platform of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, the group also demanded fresh congresses in the South-East, Ebonyi, Anambra, and local government congresses in Ekiti State.
The communique of the meeting, read by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom stressed that the party must uphold fairness and respect judicial decisions ahead of its national convention.
“We, as concerned leaders of the PDP, met to review the state of our party and the issues ahead of the national convention. We remain committed to equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law, principles on which the PDP was built and must continue to stand. We also believe that leadership positions in the party should remain open and competitive, while ensuring regional balance in line with our long-standing tradition.”
The leaders restated their position that party leadership roles should remain open, inclusive, and competitive, while maintaining regional balance in line with PDP’s long-standing tradition.
They added that, in the interest of unity and progress, and considering the party’s historical role in Nigeria’s democracy, it was necessary to present their observations and demands to the National Working Committee ahead of the convention.
“We observe that the PDP is at a critical point where its ability to resolve disputes, uphold fairness, and respect its constitution will determine its future relevance. 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 noted.
“We therefore call on the National Working Committee to immediately conduct fresh and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, as directed by the courts. A new and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should also be organised, while the outcome of the South-South Congress held in Calabar already recognised by the court must be respected. In addition, the Ekiti State local government congresses should be conducted without delay in obedience to existing judgments.”
“On the zoning of party offices, while we agree with the recommendation adopted by NEC that the status quo should remain, we strongly insist there should be no micro-zoning. 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 communique read.
According to the communique, the leaders warned that ignoring their resolutions and demands could make any planned national convention invalid, as it would amount to disenfranchising genuine party members.
They stressed that the PDP was founded on inclusivity, fairness, and justice, and must now set aside narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility if it hopes to reclaim its position as the leading opposition and a credible alternative for Nigerians.
“We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, remain steadfast in our loyalty to the party and resolute in our determination to work with all organs and leaders of the PDP to ensure that the forthcoming National Convention becomes a watershed moment, a moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity.
“Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory.”
Those present at the meeting included Wike, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former Governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Ayo Fayose, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and several serving and former lawmakers.
