The crisis of confidence rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears far from over as fresh disagreements over the party’s 2027 zoning formula have further widened divisions among its southern leaders.
On Thursday, a group of southern PDP stakeholders — including state chairmen, former governors, National Assembly members, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) — dismissed as illegal a consultative meeting of the party’s zoning committee held in Lagos State.
Southern PDP Chairmen Reject Lagos Meeting
In a statement signed by Imo PDP chairman Austin Nwachukwu, Abia’s Abraham Amah, Cross River’s Venatius Ikem, Akwa Ibom’s Aniekan Akpan, Rivers’ Aaron Chukwuemeka, alongside National Vice Chairman (South-East) Chidiebere Goodluck and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the leaders rejected any resolutions from the Lagos gathering.
The statement read:
“Any resolutions, communiqués or outcomes purportedly emanating from the meeting are neither binding on, nor reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria. Decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.”
They lamented that several state chairmen, national officers, and critical stakeholders — including many former governors — were excluded from the meeting, branding the process “deeply disturbing” and “nicodemous.”
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Makinde Defends Lagos Consultative Summit
Defending the Lagos meeting, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State insisted the gathering was legitimate and aimed at building inclusivity ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for August 25.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Makinde said:
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“This consultative meeting is not statutory in the PDP constitution, but democracy is about inclusivity. We have engaged governors, former governors, senators, BoT members, and other stakeholders. NEC will take the final decision on Monday.”
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On micro-zoning and the South’s push for the 2027 presidential ticket, he said: “We haven’t even gotten there. We need to have a united PDP first before talking about candidates.”
Makinde downplayed criticisms and Wike’s recent attacks, saying: “Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them.”
Party Leaders Split Over Legitimacy
While critics rejected the Lagos summit, other PDP leaders, including Elder Emma Ogidi (South-South Zonal Caretaker Chairman) and Timothy Osadolor (Deputy National Youth Leader), insisted the consultative process was valid.
Ogidi remarked: “Let them disown the Lagos meeting, that’s their business. We are doing consultations, that’s all.”
Osadolor added that the zoning committee had the mandate to deliberate and make recommendations to NEC.
What’s Next for PDP?
With the NEC meeting fixed for Monday, August 25, all eyes are on whether the PDP will resolve its zoning tussle or plunge deeper into crisis. Governor Makinde and other leaders maintain the priority is party unity and survival, while aggrieved stakeholders warn against exclusionary tactics that could fracture the party ahead of 2027.
