Prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Southern Nigeria have distanced themselves from a zoning summit held in Lagos on Thursday, describing the gathering as unrepresentative and damaging to party unity.
The event, labeled the “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” took place at the Legend Hotel in Ikeja. Convened by the party’s Zoning Committee, it was billed as a consultative meeting for stakeholders across Southern Nigeria.
However, state chairmen, former governors, National Assembly members, and other party heavyweights from the South-East and South-South said they were not invited or consulted. They dismissed the meeting’s resolutions as “illegal” and “non-binding.”
In a joint statement, PDP chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states—Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Venatius Ikem, Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka—condemned the Lagos summit. They were joined by the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, and House Minority Leader, Hon. O.K. Chinda.
“The PDP has always thrived on inclusivity, fairness, and broad consultation. Any meeting that sidelines elected officials and key leaders weakens trust, deepens divisions, and threatens stability. We reject the outcomes of this summit as neither binding nor representative of Southern Nigeria,” the statement read.
They further argued that the Lagos meeting was “premature,” noting that the party’s Zoning Committee had yet to present its official report for approval. According to them, any attempt to push zoning decisions outside the party’s formal processes amounts to manipulation.
The Southern leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fairness and equity within the PDP, stressing that decisions affecting the region must be taken openly and collectively. They urged the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) to disregard the Lagos meeting, warning that recognizing its resolutions would provoke strong resistance.
“If the outcomes of the Lagos summit are given any consideration, we will take every step within the constitution of our party to challenge and oppose them,” they declared.
The dispute underscores widening cracks within the PDP as the party navigates zoning arrangements ahead of future elections.
