Dare Babalola
Top leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Southern Nigeria have disowned a meeting scheduled for Lagos to discuss zoning positions, citing lack of inclusivity and transparency.
The leaders, including state chairmen, former governors, and National Assembly members, described the meeting as “secretive” and “exclusionary.”
In a joint statement, the leaders dismissed any resolutions or outcomes from the meeting, saying they would not be binding on the party.
They expressed concern that key stakeholders, including state chairmen, national officers, and elected leaders, were not invited to the meeting.
The leaders emphasized the importance of inclusivity, equity, and collective decision-making in the party, and called on the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee to disregard the outcome of the meeting.
They also warned that they would take action if any regard is given to the meeting’s outcome, which they described as “illegal” and “divisive.”
The statement reads, “For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting as neither binding on, or reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria. Decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.
“More particularly, the said summit is premature and targeted at protecting the interest and selfish ambition of a select few as the Zoning Committee set up by the 101 NEC is yet to present its report for ratification by the party.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, and electoral fortunes of the PDP and call upon all well-meaning leaders and stakeholders to resist any attempt to manipulate zoning arrangements through exclusionary tactics or clandestine maneuvers. The South East and South South zones, alongside our counterparts in the South West, remain united in the pursuit of fairness, justice, and equity — the very ideals that have sustained our party’s relevance and credibility over the years.”
The statement was signed by several prominent PDP leaders, including the State Party Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatuis Ikem, Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan and Aaron Chukwuemeka respectively, as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon O. K. Chinda.
Others were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Barr. Mudi Erhenede and others.
