A group of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have declared that the party’s National Chairman must come from the North-Central zone. The demand came during a closed-door meeting on Monday at Wike’s official residence in Abuja, where the group also called for fresh congresses in several states.
The group, operating under the name Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, issued a communique following their discussions. The communique was read by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who stressed the importance of fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law within the party ahead of its national convention. Ortom stated, “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.”
The leaders rejected any form of micro-zoning, insisting that leadership positions should remain competitive while ensuring regional balance. “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 read. They also demanded that the National Working Committee (NWC) immediately organize new and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, as directed by the courts, and respect the outcome of the South-South congress. The group added that local government congresses in Ekiti State should be conducted without delay.
The communique concluded with a stern warning, stating that disregarding their resolutions could render the planned convention invalid and disenfranchise genuine party members. It added, “We 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.”
Among the prominent figures present at the meeting were PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Ayo Fayose, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and former Senator George Sekibo, alongside several other serving and former lawmakers.
