Allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), operating under the name Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, have issued a warning to the party’s leadership: the upcoming national convention in November will be deemed “invalid” unless their stated demands are met.
The group, which includes key political figures like former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, met at Wike’s residence on Monday night to address what they described as growing internal concerns within the party.
After a closed-door meeting that lasted nearly three hours, the group released a communique read by Ortom.
They reaffirmed their commitment to equity, justice, inclusion and the rule of law, values they claim are foundational to the PDP’s identity and survival.
The group made several firm demands ahead of the convention:
- No Micro-Zoning:
While supporting the current zoning structure approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC), they rejected any form of micro-zoning, warning it could destabilize the party. - Chairmanship to Remain in North-Central:
They insisted that the position of National Chairman must stay in the North-Central zone, as established in the 2021 zoning formula. - Fresh Congresses:
- They called for new, court-compliant congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states.
- They demanded a fresh South-East zonal congress be held.
- The South-South congress in Calabar, already upheld by the court, should be respected.
- The Ekiti State local government congress must be conducted without delay.
The group argued that failure to fulfill these demands would lead to the disenfranchisement of key party members, rendering the November convention legally and politically invalid.
The stakeholders stressed that leadership roles within the PDP should remain competitive, regionally balanced, and open to all, in line with the party’s traditions.
They warned that neglecting court rulings, sidelining legitimate members, or pushing narrow interests could severely damage the party’s unity and credibility.
“Unity cannot be built on exclusion or disregard for valid judicial pronouncements,” the communique stated.
They emphasized that a credible convention must be grounded in transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for the rule of law.
Despite the strong demands, the group reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP and expressed a desire to work with all party organs to ensure the convention serves as a turning point for the opposition party.
“We remain committed to a united PDP—one that puts fairness above impunity and collective interest above individual ambition,” the group said.
They urged the party to take the November convention as a chance to rebuild trust and position itself as a true alternative for Nigerians.
