Wike, Others Insisits On Regional Equity For Peaceful PDP National Convention
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, some eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have said for the party to hold a peaceful national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, leadership positions must remain open, inclusive and competitive.
The party, they said, should also ensure regional equity in accordance with the PDP’s long-standing traditions.
The conditions were given after a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Monday night.
They presented the conditions in a communique at the end of the meeting, which started at 8:45 pm and ended Tuesday morning.
The communique read by the former Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, gave conditions that must be met to prevent the upcoming national convention from being invalidated because “legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”
Ortom said: “We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), having met to review the state of our great party and assessed the critical issues leading to the forthcoming National Convention, do hereby express our collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law – values upon which the PDP was founded and upon which its survival depends.
“In the spirit of unity and progress, and mindful of the party’s historical role as a custodian of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations, we considered it imperative and expedient to make the following observations and convey our demands to the party leadership and the National Working Committee (NWC) as we prepare for the National Convention.”
According to the communique, the group observed “PDP stands at a defining crossroads where its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its future relevance.
“That unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements.
“That a credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law as well as inclusivity.”
The PDP group called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to urgently conduct fresh, transparent and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States in line with the judgments of the courts.
“That a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be conducted.
“That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State and recognized by the court be respected.
“That the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement.
“That on zoning of party offices, whereas; we agree with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains, we further, and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party.
“Consequently, the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention,” it said.
The group warned that failure to “comply with the above resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.
“The PDP was built on the foundation of inclusivity, fairness, and justice. Therefore, to reclaim its pride of place as the leading opposition and the true alternative for Nigerians, the party must now rise above narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility.
“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,” they demanded.
In attendance were senior PDP figures, including the National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu; National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih.
Others present include former Abia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose; former Senator representing Rivers East, George Sekibo; Rivers Speaker; Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, Hon Micah Jiba, some BoT members of the PDP, as well as other zonal and state party chairmen.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
