Wike’s camp rejects PDP zoning meeting in Lagos ahead of the November Ibadan convention. Tensions rise as party governors prepare for crucial talks in Zamfara
Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Thursday as the faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike rejected the outcome of the Southern Zoning Consultative Meeting held in Lagos ahead of the PDP Ibadan Convention 2025 scheduled for November 15–16 in Oyo State.
Also read: PDP Zoning Committee Inauguration Signals Strategic Shift
While the zoning committee chaired by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri continued nationwide consultations to determine a zoning formula for National Working Committee (NWC) positions, Wike’s allies have labeled the Southern gathering “illegal and divisive.”
In a strongly worded joint statement, party chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States, along with National Assembly members and stakeholders from Wike’s camp, denounced the Lagos meeting, held on Wednesday, August 21, as unauthorized and unrepresentative.
“We categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting,” the statement read, adding that decisions made “in secrecy and exclusion” lack legitimacy.
The signatories slammed the summit’s organizer—the Administrative Secretary of the PDP Zoning Committee, acting at the behest of Governor Diri—for excluding several state chairmen, national officers, and key stakeholders, including the National Secretary and Deputy Legal Adviser.
Amid growing internal disputes, a reliable PDP NWC source confirmed that the PDP Governors’ Forum will convene in Zamfara State on Saturday, August 24, with arrivals expected the day prior.
“The convention in Ibadan is crucial to the future of the PDP,” the source said. “Governors are working toward a political resolution to ensure it holds as planned, while keeping pressure as a backup option.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a key figure pushing for the convention to proceed, responded to Wike’s camp with calm resolve, stating:
“When people go low or into the gutters, I don’t go with them… Our efforts are about building a vibrant PDP that Nigerians can believe in again.”
Makinde emphasized that the Ibadan convention is not about personal interests but about rebuilding trust in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He reiterated that the party had not reached the stage of presidential zoning, saying, “First, we need to have a united party.”
Despite the boycott, the Lagos meeting saw significant participation from Southern PDP leaders, including:
- Adolphus Wabara, Chairman, PDP BoT
- Gov. Douye Diri (Bayelsa)
- Gov. Ademola Adeleke (Osun)
- Deputy Gov. Ifeanyi Ossai (Enugu, representing Gov. Peter Mbah)
- Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-Gov, Osun
- Bode George, PDP stalwart
- Monsurat Sunmonu, and
- 12 of 17 Southern PDP National Assembly members
The Diri-led 44-member zoning committee is expected to submit its proposals to the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday, August 26, where decisions on the 19 NWC slots will be made—either adopted, amended, or rejected.
However, Wike’s camp has warned of consequences if the Lagos resolutions are accepted:
“If any iota of regard is given to the outcome of the purported meeting, we shall not hesitate to take appropriate steps in line with our party’s constitution to resist the same with full force.”
In a related development, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, stating at a public event in Karu, Abuja:
“Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him.”
He praised Philip Aduda and AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu for bringing development to the FCT and pledged further support regardless of party lines.
The battle lines are drawn as PDP power blocs brace for a showdown in Ibadan.
Also read: APC National Chairman Zoning Dispute Deepens Amid NEC Power Talks
With governors heading to Zamfara to iron out final differences, all eyes are on Monday’s NEC meeting and the unity—or fracture—it may trigger.
