By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike and other key stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under the aegis of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, have outlined conditions they believe must be met for the party to hold a credible and successful national convention.
This was contained in a communique issued and read by former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, at the end of their meeting hosted by the FCT Minister in Abuja on Monday night.
The group reaffirmed their desire for collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and rule of law, which they described as the very foundation on which the PDP was established and upon which its survival depends.
They further stressed that leadership positions within the party must remain open, inclusive, and competitive, adding that regional equity in line with the PDP’s long-standing traditions must continue to guide internal arrangements.
Moving from principles to concrete steps, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders listed 6 specific demands that they said the National Working Committee must urgently address ahead of the convention:
“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.”
They cautioned that ignoring these demands could undermine the legitimacy of the entire exercise, warning that any attempt to sideline court rulings or disenfranchise members would weaken the party’s credibility.
“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,” they further demanded.
