Wike, Loyalists Set Conditions for PDP Convention to Hold

Leaders loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike have outlined key conditions for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention to proceed. Meeting in Abuja on Monday under the banner of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, they insisted that the zoning arrangement from the 2021 convention be retained, with the party’s National Chairman remaining in the North-Central.

The group also called for fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, a renewed South-East Zonal Congress, and the immediate conduct of Local Government congresses in Ekiti State. They urged that the outcome of the South-South Congress held in Calabar on February 22, 2025, which was recognised by the court, be upheld.

In a communique read by former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, the leaders warned that failure to implement these resolutions would render any national convention invalid and disenfranchise legitimate party members.

Attendees included Wike, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and suspended Rivers State Assembly Speaker Martins Ameawhule. Serving and former National Assembly members, North-Central and South-South National Vice Chairmen Abdulrahman Mohammed and Dan Orbih, as well as PDP state chairmen from Abia, Benue, FCT, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers, were also present.

The communique emphasized the need for equity, justice, inclusivity, and adherence to court rulings in all party processes, stating that a credible convention must be transparent, fair, and inclusive. The leaders stressed that maintaining these principles would allow the PDP to reclaim its status as the leading opposition and present a united front in future elections.