- Southern PDP leaders reject Lagos zoning meeting, calling it exclusionary and illegal.
- Governor Makinde backs the meeting, says final zoning decision awaits NEC meeting on August 25.
- Some PDP officials defend the Lagos consultative meeting as part of official party processes.
The ongoing crisis of confidence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears far from resolution as divisions over the party’s zoning formula for the 2027 general elections intensify among southern PDP leaders.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that yesterday, several influential PDP stakeholders from the South described a consultative zoning meeting held in Lagos as unlawful and unrepresentative. The meeting was convened by the party’s zoning committee but was criticized for excluding many key southern leaders.
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Among those condemning the Lagos meeting were PDP state chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, alongside prominent party figures such as former governors, serving and former members of the National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly members, and legal advisers.
In a joint statement signed by these leaders, including National Vice Chairman (South-East) Chidiebere Goodluck and House Minority Leader O. Chinda, the group dismissed any resolutions from the Lagos meeting as invalid and not reflective of the collective will of the southern PDP membership.
The statement stressed that “decisions made in secrecy and without inclusive consultation cannot claim to represent consensus,” lamenting the exclusion of several state chairmen, national officers, former governors, and key stakeholders from the South-East and South-South zones.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who supports the Lagos consultative meeting, emphasized that the forum was part of the party’s efforts at inclusivity and reaching out to all stakeholders. He clarified that the meeting was consultative and non-binding, and that a final zoning decision would be made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on August 25.
Makinde told reporters, “The decision will come from NEC. This meeting is not a constitutional requirement, but it is part of democratic engagement to ensure all voices are heard.”
Addressing questions about micro-zoning and whether the South would produce the PDP presidential candidate, Makinde said, “We must first rebuild the party before discussing presidential ambitions. Our immediate goal is to unite the PDP and restore confidence among Nigerians.”
The Oyo governor dismissed criticism from the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, saying, “When others descend to low levels, I choose not to follow.”
Highlighting the party’s strength, Makinde pointed out the attendance of sitting governors, former governors, senators, and board of trustees members at the Lagos meeting, stating, “This shows that PDP is far from dead.”
Other notable attendees included former Akwa Ibom governor Udom Emmanuel, former deputy national chairman Bode George, BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara, Senator Ben Obi, and former Ebonyi governor Sam Egwu.
In response to criticisms of the Lagos meeting, some PDP leaders defended the gathering as a legitimate part of the party’s consultative process. Elder Emma Ogidi, South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman, said, “If some want to disown the meeting, that’s their choice. We are simply consulting.”
Similarly, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor stated, “The zoning committee has the mandate to hold consultations and make recommendations.”
The PDP continues to face internal tensions as it prepares for the 2027 elections, with southern leaders divided over the zoning process and the party’s path forward.
