From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
A faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm demand for fresh, transparent, and court-compliant congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and Ekiti States ahead of the party’s November National Convention in Ibadan.
In a communiqué delivered by former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom following a crucial meeting of PDP “Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders” in Abuja, the group called for strict adherence to judicial rulings regarding ongoing internal party disputes.
“Unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or neglect of valid judicial pronouncements,” Ortom stated, emphasizing that the convention “must be anchored on transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law, as well as inclusivity.”
The faction insists that the party conducts fresh and legitimate congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, as mandated by court decisions. They also demand a new South-East Zonal Congress to resolve regional party issues and insist that the legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, recognized by the courts, be fully respected.
“It is imperative that the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress is conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgment,” the group further declared.
On party leadership zoning, the faction agreed with the zoning committee’s recommendations upheld by the National Executive Committee (NEC) that the status quo remains, keeping the National Chairmanship in the North-Central, according to the 2021 zoning formula. However, they rejected any form of micro-zoning, warning that it would threaten peace and stability within the party.
“Failure to comply with the above resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised,” the communiqué warned.
The group urged the PDP to rise above narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility, stating, “We remain steadfast in our loyalty to the party and resolute in our determination to work with all organs and leaders of the PDP to ensure that the forthcoming National Convention becomes a watershed moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity.”
