PDP leaders gives condition for congress, demand retention of North-Central chairman

Notable leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have given conditions for the party’s convention, demanding the retention of the National Chairman from the North-Central zone as per the 2021 convention’s zoning arrangements.

The leaders, who met in Abuja, also called for fresh congresses in the South-East zone, Ebonyi, and Anambra states, as well as local government congresses in Ekiti State.

They urged respect for the outcome of the South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, which was recognised by the court.

Among those who attended the meeting were the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu,  former Governors of Abia, Benue, Ekiti and Enugu States, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and Martins Ameawhule.

Also in the meeting were serving and former members of the National Assembly,  North Central and South South National Vice Chairmen, Abdulrahman Mohammed and Dan Orbih, as well as Abia, Benue, FCT, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States PDP Chairmen, among others.

According to a communique read by Ortom, the PDP leaders warned that failure to comply with their demands would render any national convention invalid, as legitimate members would be disenfranchised.

“We reaffirm our belief that leadership positions within the party must remain open, inclusive, and competitive, while ensuring regional equity in accordance with the PDP’s long-standing traditions,” the communique read.

“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.”

According to former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, “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.”

They concluded, “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.”