At a critical gathering in Abuja on Monday, Concerned Stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Nyesom Wike, demanded that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket be zoned to the South to promote fairness and unity.
The communiqué, read at Wike’s official residence, emphasized the party’s tradition of power rotation, arguing it would strengthen national cohesion.
The stakeholders warned that ongoing leadership disputes, fueled by disregard for party rules, threaten to dismantle the PDP if not resolved swiftly.
The group pinpointed internal crises, particularly around leadership roles like the National Secretary, as a key factor in the party’s setbacks during the 2023 general elections.
They cited a Supreme Court judgment affirming Senator Sam Anyanwu as National Secretary, asserting that only he holds the legal authority to issue notices for key meetings, including the National Convention and National Executive Committee (NEC).
Decisions lacking his signature, they declared, are invalid, and only a properly convened National Convention can remove him.
The stakeholders urged Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and Anyanwu to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the next NEC meeting, including its agenda, to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
They also endorsed the National Reconciliation Committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, to restore unity.
Wike, reflecting on the G5 governors’ controversial 2023 stance, claimed their actions stabilized Nigeria, warning that ignoring their concerns deepened the PDP’s crisis.
Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom echoed this, urging the party to seek divine guidance and adhere to due process.
The stakeholders called on members to respect the party’s constitution to prevent further division, stressing that zoning the 2027 ticket to the South is critical to avoid repeating past electoral failures.
