In a strongly worded statement, the PDP leaders declared that “any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting are neither binding on, nor reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria.” They stressed that “decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.”
The statement was jointly signed by PDP State Chairmen Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Abraham Amah (Abia), Barr. Venatuis Ikem (Cross River), Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom), and Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers). Other signatories included Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck (National Vice Chairman, South-East), Hon. O.K. Chinda (Minority Leader, House of Representatives), Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe (former National Secretary), Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy National Legal Adviser), and Barr. Mudi Erhenede (former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser).
The leaders dismissed the Lagos gathering, tagged “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” reportedly convened by the Administrative Secretary of the PDP Zoning Committee on the instruction of its Chairman, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja.
According to them, the meeting was “convened without the courtesy of inviting several State Chairmen from the South-East and South-South, as well as duly elected national officers of the party.” They further expressed shock at the exclusion of “the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, former governors, and other principal party stakeholders.”
The statement condemned the meeting as “premature and targeted at protecting the selfish ambitions of a select few,” pointing out that the official Zoning Committee set up by the National Executive Committee (NEC) is yet to present its report for ratification.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting,” the statement read. “The PDP since inception has been anchored on inclusivity, equity, and collective responsibility. Any process that sidelines critical stakeholders undermines party unity at a time when cohesion is most needed.”
Reaffirming their loyalty to the PDP, the signatories urged the National Working Committee (NWC), NEC, and all stakeholders to disregard the Lagos meeting, warning that any attempt to give effect to its outcome would be met with “appropriate resistance in line with the PDP constitution.”
They concluded by calling on Southern PDP leaders across the South-East, South-South, and South-West to remain steadfast in the pursuit of fairness, justice, and equity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
