We Can’t Hold Valid Convention Without Conducting Congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, Southeast- PDP Leaders Warn
Major stakeholders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have warned that the national convention of the party scheduled to hold in Ibadan Oyo State on November, 2025 may not hold unless the party puts its house in order.
In a critical stakeholders meeting held in Abuja on Monday, leaders of the party including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) , the Ebonyi State 2023 governorship candidate of the PDP, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii and the National Vice Chairman South South, Chief Dan Orbih among others warned that until the party conducts outstanding congresses in some states, the proposed national convention remained threatened.
Reaffirming their commitment to the party, the leaders called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra and the Southeast zone to enable members of the party validly participate in the proposed convention.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders called for unity and regional equity as the only panacea to the lingering internal crisis rocking the party.
Part of the communique reads:
“We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), having met to review the state of our great party and assessed the critical issues leading to the forthcoming National Convention, do hereby express our collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law – values upon which the PDP was founded and upon which its survival depends.
“In the spirit of unity and progress, and mindful of the party’s historical role as a custodian of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations, we considered it imperative and expedient to make the following observations and convey our demands to the party leadership and the National Working Committee (NWC) as we prepare for the National Convention.”
“PDP stands at a defining crossroads where its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its future relevance.
“That unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements.
“That a credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law as well as inclusivity.”
“We call on the National Working Committee to urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in line with the 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.
“That on zoning of party offices, whereas; we agree with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains, 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.”
“The PDP was built on the foundation of inclusivity, fairness, and justice. Therefore, to reclaim its pride of place as the leading opposition and the true alternative for Nigerians, the party must now rise above narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility.
“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.”
The leaders warned that unless the leadership of the party “complies with the above resolutions and demands’ any convention the party may hold will be invalid.
