Crisis Hits PDP As Southern Leaders Disown Lagos Zoning Summit

A coalition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heavyweights from Southern Nigeria has publicly disowned and condemned a zoning consultation meeting scheduled for Lagos this Thursday, declaring any decisions from it “null and void.”

The group, which includes multiple State Chairmen of the party, former governors, National Assembly members, and senior party officials, accused the summit’s conveners of operating in “secrecy and exclusion” to serve “the selfish ambition of a select few.”

The meeting, tagged the “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit” and convened at the Legend Hotel in Ikeja, was intended to discuss the sensitive issue of zoning positions within the party.

However, in a strongly-worded statement signed by a long list of prominent leaders, the event was dismissed as an illegitimate and divisive maneuver.

Signatories included the PDP State Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States, the National Vice Chairman (South-East), the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. O.K. Chinda.

The statement also included endorsements from Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, and others, calling attention to what they deemed a significant organisational oversight.

Titled “Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” the press release criticised the convening of the summit without the participation of various State Chairmen, the elected National Secretary, and key national officers.

It also called attention to the exclusion of numerous former governors who have historically played vital roles in decisions concerning the direction of the PDP.

“It is highly regrettable and indeed deeply disturbing that such a meeting was convened without the courtesy of inviting several State Chairmen from the South East and South South, as well as the duly elected National Secretary and Deputy National Legal Adviser of our great party,” the statement lamented.

The leaders highlighted their concerns over decisions being made in an environment lacking transparency, with particular focus on the implications of zoning and political equity for the party’s future.

The press release elucidated the party’s foundational principles of inclusivity, equity, and collective responsibility, arguing that current exclusionary tactics jeopardise party unity and integrity.

“Such a brazen disregard for established structures and statutory organs of the PDP not only offends the spirit of collective decision-making but also risks undermining the very foundation upon which our party was built,” they stated.

Reaffirming their solidarity, the PDP leaders emphasised their commitment to justice and fairness, stating, “We remain united in the pursuit of fairness, justice, and equity, the very ideals that have sustained our party’s relevance and credibility over the years.”

The chairmen implored members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) to disregard any outcomes from the meeting, categorizing it as “illegal” and divisive.

They warned that if any consideration is given to the meeting’s results, they would “not hesitate to take appropriate steps in line with our party constitution to resist same with full force.”

With this decisive stance, the PDP leaders have made it clear that the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity must prevail in their party’s decision-making processes.