June 10, (THEWILL) – A faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the banner of Concerned PDP Stakeholders has called on the party’s national leadership to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, while reaffirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary.
The group, largely aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, made the demand during a strategic meeting held in Abuja on Monday and hosted by the former Rivers State governor.
The party, Nigeria’s leading opposition platform, has been embroiled in a protracted internal crisis, mainly revolving around a power tussle between Wike and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, its 2023 presidential candidate.
In a communique issued after the Abuja meeting, the stakeholders said zoning the 2027 presidency to the South was crucial to restoring balance, promoting inclusion, and maintaining cohesion within the party.
Communique read, “The PDP must make an unequivocal announcement zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
“This is in the spirit of fairness, inclusion, the federal character principle, and respect for our party’s constitution.”
The group blamed the ongoing crisis on what it described as the “inexplicable refusal” of some party leaders to adhere to constitutional provisions, specifically citing Sections 36(1)(a)(b)(c), 47(3)(5), and 48(1)(i), along with a definitive Supreme Court judgment affirming Anyanwu as the rightful National Secretary.
According to the stakeholders, “The party is on an inevitable path to self-annihilation if urgent steps are not taken to rein in the desperate, divisive, and selfish tendencies that brought it to its knees ahead of the 2023 elections.”
They warned that, based on the Supreme Court ruling and the PDP constitution, only Senator Anyanwu has the authority to issue notices of meetings such as the National Convention, National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, and National Working Committee (NWC).
“Any notices of meetings or communications to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not issued by him are null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the communique added.
The stakeholders also insisted that only a duly constituted National Convention could remove Anyanwu from office, given his membership in the party’s National Executive Committee.
They urged the Acting National Chairman and Senator Anyanwu to jointly issue a formal notice to INEC with an attached agenda for the next NEC meeting, describing it as “the only lawful pathway to restoring internal order.”
Reaffirming their loyalty to the party, the group called on members to uphold the rule of law, resist destabilizing plots, and support the ongoing efforts of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee chaired by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Present at the meeting were former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Samuel Ortom, and Okezie Ikpeazu; Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda; as well as serving and former federal and state lawmakers, and some zonal and state party executives.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
