FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and PDP Leaders during a meeting in Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside prominent PDP leaders, has outlined stringent conditions to ensure a credible and inclusive national convention for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan.
The group, identifying as the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, issued a communiqué following a Monday night meeting at Wike’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, speaking on behalf of the G-5 Governors, emphasized that the convention must uphold inclusivity, fairness, and adherence to the party’s constitution, with the National Chairman position retained in the North Central zone.
“The PDP was founded on equity, justice, and inclusivity—values critical to its continued relevance,” Ortom stated.
The leaders stressed that the party stands at a pivotal moment, warning that internal reconciliation and respect for judicial rulings are essential for its survival.
“Unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement or exclusion,” the communiqué noted, urging the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct transparent congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and the South-East zone, while respecting the court-recognized South-South Congress in Calabar and addressing the Ekiti Local Government Areas Congress.
The group firmly opposed micro-zoning, advocating for open competition to maintain party stability.
“The National Chairman position must remain in the North-Central zone, as established in the 2021 convention,” Ortom reiterated, cautioning that non-compliance could invalidate the convention and disenfranchise members.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the PDP’s legacy, stating, “We are resolute in ensuring the forthcoming convention becomes a watershed moment where unity triumphs over division and justice prevails over impunity.”
They called for collective responsibility to reposition the PDP as Nigeria’s leading opposition, urging the party to rise above narrow interests.
In attendance were former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, Rivers House of Assembly Speaker, Sen. Phillips Aduda, lawmaker Micah Jiba, and several Board of Trustees members.
The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), at its August 25, 2025, meeting in Abuja, had previously zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria and reaffirmed Umar Damagum as National Chairman until the convention.
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba noted, “The NEC has retained northern and southern office positions in their current regions, with zones tasked to micro-zone internally.”
