Wike’s Loyalists insist PDP Chair must remain in North-Central, demand fresh congresses

Prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have declared that the office of the party’s National Chairman must remain in the North-Central region, in line with the zoning arrangement adopted at the 2021 convention.

The PDP stakeholders, under the platform of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, met on Monday night in Abuja to deliberate on preparations for the party’s forthcoming National Convention.

In a communiqué read by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, the group demanded urgent reforms within the party, including the conduct of fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, a new South-East Zonal Congress, and compliance with court rulings mandating a fresh local government congress in Ekiti State.

The leaders also insisted that the outcome of the February 22, 2025, South-South Zonal Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, which has been upheld by the court, must be respected.

“Consequently, the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention,” Ortom said, warning that any failure to comply with their resolutions could render the convention invalid and disenfranchise legitimate members.

Who Was in Attendance

The meeting was attended by several high-profile PDP figures, including the FCT Minister, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Ortom himself.

Also present were House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, serving and former federal lawmakers, and PDP state chairmen from Abia, Benue, FCT, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States.

Two zonal vice chairmen of the party, Abdulrahman Mohammed (North-Central) and Dan Orbih (South-South), also participated in the deliberations.

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Call for Equity and Inclusivity

The communiqué emphasized that the PDP stands at a critical juncture where its ability to uphold equity, fairness, and constitutional order will determine its relevance in Nigeria’s political future.

“That unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or neglect of valid judicial pronouncements. A credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, and inclusivity,” the leaders resolved.

They stressed that the party must resist “micro-zoning” of leadership positions, arguing that open competition within the framework of the 2021 zoning formula is the only way to guarantee peace and stability.

Political analysts say the demands reflect a widening power struggle within the PDP as it prepares for its convention.

According to Dr. Hassan Suleiman, a political scientist at the University of Abuja, the insistence on retaining the chairmanship in the North-Central is a direct move to limit maneuvering by other factions ahead of 2027.

“This is about control. Wike’s loyalists want to ensure the chairmanship doesn’t shift to another region where rival factions could consolidate power. By invoking the 2021 formula, they are trying to lock in existing advantages,” Suleiman said.

Meanwhile, public affairs commentator Ngozi Onyekwere warned that internal disputes could further weaken the PDP’s opposition strength.

“The PDP risks entering the next election cycle divided and vulnerable. Unless it handles these zoning and congress issues with fairness, the party may find it difficult to present a united front against the ruling APC,” she noted.

The Road Ahead

The Eminent Leaders urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to act swiftly on their demands to avoid legal and political complications that could undermine the forthcoming convention.

“Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory,” the communiqué concluded.