With the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gearing up for its much-anticipated national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, a coalition of influential stakeholders has issued a list of conditions they insist must be met to ensure credibility and prevent what they describe as “the disenfranchisement of legitimate members.”
The group — comprising Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu; National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih; former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, among others — outlined their position during a meeting held Monday night in Abuja.
In a communique released after the meeting, the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the PDP’s founding principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and rule of law, stressing that only strict adherence to these values can safeguard the party’s survival and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“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. Unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements,” the communique read.
Key Demands
The group insisted that a credible convention must be anchored on transparency and inclusivity and called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to:
Conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States in line with existing court judgments.
Organize a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress.
Respect the outcome of the valid South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, which has already been upheld by the courts.
Immediately conduct the Ekiti State Local Government Area Congress in obedience to subsisting judicial rulings.
Uphold the NEC-approved zoning arrangement adopted in 2021, keeping the position of National Chairman in the North-Central, while rejecting any attempt at micro-zoning, which they argue would destabilize the party.
The stakeholders warned that failure to meet these demands would render the Ibadan convention invalid.
“The PDP was built on inclusivity, fairness, and justice. To reclaim its pride of place as Nigeria’s leading opposition, the party must rise above narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility. Only then can unity triumph over division, and justice prevail over impunity,” they declared.
Reaffirming their loyalty, the leaders expressed readiness to work with all organs of the party to ensure that the November convention becomes a turning point — one that positions the PDP as a united and credible alternative for Nigerians ahead of future elections.
