Disaster Deepens In PDP Over 2027 Zoning Formulation

The disaster inside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has worsened as key southern stakeholders have dismissed as unlawful a gathering on zoning preparations forward of the 2027 common elections, accusing its conveners of exclusion and manipulation.

The assembly, which was reportedly held on Thursday on the Legend Lodge, Ikeja, Lagos, was tagged “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit” and allegedly convened by the Administrative Secretary of the PDP Zoning Committee on the occasion of the Committee Chairman and Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri.

However in an announcement signed by a number of state chairmen, Nationwide Meeting members, and senior occasion officers, the leaders from the South disowned the gathering, insisting that it had no legitimacy.

“It’s extremely regrettable and certainly deeply disturbing that such a gathering was convened with out the courtesy of inviting a number of State Chairmen from the South East and South South, in addition to the duly elected Nationwide Secretary and Deputy Nationwide Authorized Adviser of our nice occasion,” the leaders declared.

They accused the organisers of intentionally sidelining distinguished figures. “Shockingly, the minority chief within the Nationwide Meeting and different principal officers of our occasion from the South-South and South-East had been additionally intentionally denied participation in a gathering the place such far-reaching and delicate selections on zoning, energy rotation and political fairness are to be mentioned,” the assertion learn.

The signatories to the protest included State Party Chairmen Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Abraham Amah (Abia), Venatius Ikem (Cross River), Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom), and Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers). They had been joined by the PDP Nationwide Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck; Minority Chief of the Home of Representatives, Hon. O. Ok. Chinda; Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, and Mike Ama Nnachi; former Nationwide Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, and different senior officers.

The group described the Lagos summit as a clandestine transfer aimed toward serving the ambitions of some people. “The stated summit is untimely and focused at defending the pursuits and egocentric ambitions of a choose few, because the Zoning Committee arrange by the NEC is but to current its report for ratification,” they stated.

Additionally they warned that any resolutions from the assembly wouldn’t stand. “For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués or outcomes purportedly emanating from this assembly as neither binding on, nor reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP household throughout Southern Nigeria. Selections reached in secrecy and exclusion can’t and shall not assume the authority of consensus,” the assertion learn.

Emphasising the core values of the PDP, the leaders famous: “Our occasion, since inception, has been anchored on inclusivity, fairness, session and collective accountability. Any course of that sidelines key stakeholders erodes belief, fuels division and threatens occasion cohesion at a time when unity is most wanted.”

They urged the Nationwide Working Committee (NWC), the Nationwide Govt Committee (NEC) and different occasion organs to ignore the end result of the Lagos gathering, warning of potential resistance whether it is recognised.

“Take discover that the place any iota of regard is given to the end result of the purported assembly, we will not hesitate to take applicable steps according to our occasion structure to withstand the identical with full pressure,” the leaders warned.

Reaffirming their dedication to fairness and equity in zoning preparations, they stated, “The South East and South South zones, alongside our counterparts within the South West, stay united within the pursuit of equity, justice, and fairness — the very beliefs which have sustained our occasion’s relevance and credibility over time.”