The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside prominent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stressed that for the party’s forthcoming national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, to be peaceful, leadership positions must remain open, inclusive, and competitive.
They further insisted that regional equity must be upheld in line with the PDP’s long-established traditions.
These conditions were outlined in a communiqué released after a closed-door meeting held in Abuja on Monday night, which began at 8:45pm and ended Tuesday morning.
The communiqué, read by former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, warned that the upcoming convention risked being nullified if the stipulated conditions were ignored because “legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”
Ortom declared: “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 communiqué, the 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 group called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in accordance with existing court judgments.
They further demanded:
- “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,” the communiqué stated.
The group warned that ignoring these resolutions would render any national convention invalid since “legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”
They emphasized: “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.”
Those present included PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu; National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih; former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose; ex-Rivers East Senator George Sekibo; the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly; Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda; Hon. Micah Jiba; members of the Board of Trustees; as well as zonal and state chairmen of the party.