2023: PDP’s NEC Delays Decision On Zoning, Sets Up Two Committees

Rising from its 93rd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting attended by governors, lawmakers, former ministers, and other leaders on Thursday in Abuja, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has said it cannot decide where to zone its 2023 presidential ticket as well as the National Working Committee (NWC) offices until some issues are resolved.

The NEC however approved the formation of two new committees in preparation for its forthcoming national convention.

At a press conference held after the long closed-door meeting, the PDP spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan told journalists that the NEC approved the composition of the National Convention Organising Committee and a Zoning Committee to arrive at favorable zoning for National Working Committee (NWC) offices.

According to Ologbondiyan, “The new committees will be chaired by the Governors of Adamawa and Enugu states, Ahmadu Fintiri, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, respectively, while Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, and the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, will deputize the duo.

“The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, was appointed as the secretary of the convention organizing committee while the Deputy Governor of Zamfara, Mahdi Aliyu, will serve as the secretary of the zoning committee.

“NEC approved the composition of the National Convention Organising Committee as well as the Zoning Committee to zone the National Working Committee offices.

“NEC approved Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State as Chairman 2021 National Convention Committee. Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, is the deputy chairman of the committee while Engineer Seyi Makinde is to serve as the committee secretary.

“On Zoning Committee, NEC approved Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State as chairman, Dr. Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue State is the deputy chairman while Barrister Madi Aliyu Muhammed, the deputy governor of Zamfara State, is secretary of the Zoning Committee.”

Present at the meeting were eight out of the 13 governors elected on the PDP platform, as well as former Vice-President and 2019 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The NEC was presided over by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Yemi Akinwonmi.

The October 30th to 31st date for the National Convention remains unchanged.