…As southern Leaders Reject Lagos Meeting
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing fresh cracks as southern stakeholders kick against a zoning consultative meeting held in Lagos ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, some state chairmen and prominent leaders from the South described the gathering as illegal and unrepresentative of the party’s collective will.
Signatories to the statement include the PDP chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Venatius Ikem, Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka.
They were joined by National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chidiebere Goodluck, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, O. Chinda, as well as former governors, senators, and members of the National Working Committee.
The leaders dismissed any resolutions from the Lagos meeting, insisting that “decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.”
Exclusion of Stakeholders Sparks Anger
The aggrieved leaders faulted the organisers for allegedly sidelining several state chairmen, national officers, former governors, and other critical figures.
They argued that such deliberate exclusion undermined the unity of the party and questioned the credibility of any outcomes from the gathering tagged “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit.”
Makinde: PDP Won’t Go Into Gutter With Wike
But Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, defended the Lagos meeting, saying it was part of ongoing consultations. Speaking in Lagos, he stressed that the PDP would not descend to the “gutter level” of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Makinde explained that the final decision on zoning would be taken by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday, August 25.
He added that democracy requires inclusivity and wide consultations, which the Lagos meeting sought to achieve.
Focus on Party Survival
The governor emphasised that the PDP’s immediate priority is to rebuild and strengthen the party before discussing presidential candidates.
According to him, “If we don’t have a party, anything you’re trying to do will fall flat. Our efforts right now are directed towards having a united PDP that Nigerians will be proud of.”
Makinde also assured that aggrieved members would be reached out to, stressing that disagreements must not be personalised but handled in the overall interest of Nigerians.
Lagos Meeting Backed by Some Leaders
While some leaders faulted the meeting, others insisted it was legitimate.
Elder Emma Ogidi, South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman, and Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, maintained that the Lagos consultative session was in line with the zoning committee’s mandate.
They argued that consultations are necessary and should not be disowned simply because some stakeholders were absent.
Notable Leaders Present
The Lagos meeting was attended by governors, former governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and Board of Trustees members from across the South.
Among them were former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, ex-PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George, BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, and Senator Ben Obi.
NEC Decision on Zoning
The final word on zoning is expected from the PDP National Executive Committee on Monday, where a binding decision will be taken on the formula for 2027.