As the timelines toward the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention draw near, five prominent party leaders—Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi—have collectively issued a six-point ultimatum to the National Working Committee (NWC), underscoring the urgent need for fair, inclusive party processes. The demand followed a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting held at Wike’s residence in Abuja.
- Fresh Congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra
They called for renewed congresses in these states, to be conducted in strict adherence to existing court judgments. - Immediate South-East Zonal Congress
A replacement convention for the South-East must be held urgently to reflect true representation. - Respect South-South Congress Results
The outcome of the recent South-South Congress in Calabar—which has been upheld by the courts—must be formally recognized and implemented. - Conduct Ekiti LGA Congresses
The leaders demand an immediate execution of local government area congresses in Ekiti, aligning with judicial pronouncements. - Prohibit Micro‑Zoning Beyond NEC Formula
They warned against compelled micro-zoning of positions beyond the general zonal arrangement agreed upon by the National Executive Committee (NEC), arguing it could fracture party unity. - North Central Chairmanship Zoning
The party’s national chairmanship slot must remain zoned to the North Central, consistent with the arrangements made at the 2021 convention.
The communique, signed by Ortom, emphasized that failure to act on these demands threatens the legitimacy of the upcoming convention, potentially disenfranchising key party members. It called for transparency, fairness, and respect for judicial rulings as foundational to rebuilding PDP’s credibility.
This intervention comes at a delicate juncture, with the 2027 general elections looming large. The heavyweights’ resolve signals strong pressure on the party leadership to ensure equitable representation and minimize internal divisions. Ultimately, the group warned that “unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement,” urging the NWC to uphold democratic norms or risk deepening party crisis.
