Samuel Ortom
Wike group set six conditions before PDP national convention can hold
A group, composed of the former governors of Rivers and Benue states, Nyesom Wike and Samuel Ortom respectively, in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the banner of the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the party, has set fresh conditions that can guarantee a valid national convention.
Indeed, the PDP has slated a national convention for Ibadan, Oyo State, in November, 2025.
In a communique after a closed-door meeting, read by Ortom, said members expressed “collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law.”
They described these as “values upon which the PDP was founded and upon which its survival depends.”
The stakeholders said while they were satisfied with the party’s zoning arrangements, adopted by the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee must ensure that there is no form of micro-zoning “for peace and stability within the party.”
They added that the national party chairman position should remain in the North Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention, adding
”That on zoning of party offices, whereas we agree with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which were adopted by NEC, that the status quo remain, we further and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party. Consequently, the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention”.
In particular, the group called for fresh congresses to be held in Ebonyi and Anambra States and in the South-East zone, conducted by the National Working Committee, in line with court judgments.
They added that the outcome of the South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, should also be upheld, while the Ekiti State local government congress should be conducted immediately.
They said, “We call on the National Working Committee to urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in line with judgments of the courts. That a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be conducted. That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, and recognised by the court, be respected. That the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement.”
They warned that failure to comply with the demands and their resolutions “shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”
The group stressed that leadership positions within the PDP must remain “open, inclusive, and competitive, while ensuring regional equity in accordance with the PDP’s long-standing traditions.”
The group further cautioned that “unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements.”
They insisted that a credible national convention must be anchored on “transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law as well as inclusivity.”
They, however, stated their loyalty to the party, declaring, “We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, 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—a moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity. Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory.”
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