Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, alongside the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and other leaders, have affirmed that the National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, will be held despite the conditions set by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s camp.
Speaking on behalf of the governors in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of the 119-member National Convention Planning Committee, chaired by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, declared that they are not cowards.
The governors, in a clear response to Wike’s camp’s Monday night statement, also vowed to take disciplinary action against those undermining the party’s interests, insisting that the PDP will not bow to arrogance and impunity, or what they described as a “faction of fools.”
In the same vein, the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, represented by Secretary Ahmed Makarfi and other party leaders, emphasised that both northern and southern leaders are free to micro-zone party positions, while stressing that interested members equally have the right to contest.
After weathering a prolonged internal crisis, the PDP scheduled its November convention to elect new members of the National Working Committee as part of efforts to reposition the party.
However, while leaders are pushing for the convention to proceed as planned, Wike and some of his allies have continued efforts to stall the exercise over disputes surrounding the South-East and South-South zonal leadership.
On Monday, members of the PDP, loyal to the FCT minister, under the banner of the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, warned that the party’s forthcoming national convention in November would be “invalid” if their resolutions are not implemented.
Following the nearly three-hour meeting, a communiqué was issued and read by Samuel Ortom, the former Governor of Benue State.
He noted the members’ “collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law”, describing them as “values upon which the PDP was founded and upon which its survival depends.”
Among their demands, Wike’s camp said while it was satisfied with the party’s zoning arrangements adopted by the NEC, the National Working Committee must ensure there is no form of micro-zoning “for peace and stability within the party.”
They added that the national party chairman position should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention.
“That on zoning of party offices: Whereas, we agree with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which were adopted by the NEC, that the status quo remains, we further and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party.”
“Consequently, the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention,” the communique read.
The Wike-led stakeholders also called for fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, and in the South-East zone, conducted by the National Working Committee, in line with court judgements, adding that the outcome of the South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, should also be upheld, while the Ekiti State local government congress should be conducted immediately.
“We call on the National Working Committee to urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in line with judgments of the courts.
“That a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be conducted; That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State and recognised by the court be respected.
“That the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement,” they added.
The group warned in strong terms that failure to comply with the demands and their resolutions “shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”
Wike’s group maintained that the leadership positions within the PDP must remain “open, inclusive, and competitive, while ensuring regional equity in accordance with the PDP’s long-standing traditions.”
The stakeholders said the main opposition party now stood at “a defining crossroads”, where its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its relevance in the future.
The group further cautioned that “unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements,” stressing that a credible national convention must be anchored on “transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law as well as inclusivity.”
