In a strategic move to strengthen the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, key party stakeholders and leaders have gathered in Abuja, calling for the 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the Southern region.
The meeting, hosted by Dr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, took place at his official residence in Life Camp.
During the gathering, PDP stakeholders reaffirmed Senator Sam Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, further solidifying his role in the party’s leadership.
The high-level gathering addressed the internal challenges facing the PDP, with participants agreeing on several key actions aimed at restoring discipline, unity, and a commitment to the party’s constitutional values.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders expressed concern over the ongoing disarray within the party, attributing it to repeated violations of the PDP’s constitution, particularly Sections 36, 47, and 48.
They pointed out the failure to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling, which recognized Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the duly elected National Secretary of the party.
The stakeholders issued a stern warning, cautioning that the PDP risks “self-annihilation” if the rule of law and internal democracy are not prioritized.
“We are alarmed that the party is on an inevitable path to extinction if urgent steps are not taken to curb the divisive, self-serving tendencies within the party,” the communiqué stated.
The group also emphasized that zoning the presidential ticket to the South aligns with the principles of fairness, inclusion, and federal character, especially following eight years of northern leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari.
They called on the party leadership to make an official declaration in this regard to demonstrate a commitment to justice and equity.
The stakeholders affirmed that only the National Convention has the authority to remove the National Secretary and made it clear that all official party communications, including those to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), must be jointly issued by the Acting National Chairman and Senator Anyanwu.
Any notice issued without his involvement, they stressed, would be considered “null and void.”
In closing, the stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP, urging all party members to respect the rule of law, uphold constitutional leadership, and resist any divisive efforts aimed at destabilizing the party.
They also expressed their support for the ongoing efforts of the National Reconciliation Committee, chaired by former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.
Writing by Remi Johnson