Some prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have declared that the office of the party’s National Chairman must remain in the North-Central zone.

Meeting under the platform of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP in Abuja on Monday night, the group also demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and Ekiti states to address what they described as outstanding disputes.

The communique of the meeting, read by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, stressed that fairness, inclusivity, and respect for judicial decisions must guide the party’s conduct ahead of its national convention.

Ortom stated, “We, as concerned leaders of the PDP, met to review the state of our party and the issues ahead of the national convention. We remain committed to equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law, principles on which the PDP was built and must continue to stand.”

The group insisted that leadership positions should remain competitive while ensuring regional balance.

“Unity cannot be achieved through exclusion, disenfranchisement, or disregard for valid court rulings. For the convention to be credible, it must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” the communiqué read.

The PDP leaders called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately organise fresh and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states as directed by the courts, and to conduct a legitimate South-East zonal congress.

They further demanded that the outcome of the South-South congress, already recognised by the courts, be respected, while Ekiti State’s local government congresses should be conducted without delay.

On zoning, the leaders endorsed the recommendation adopted by the NEC that the status quo should remain, but rejected any form of micro-zoning.

“For peace and stability, the office of the National Chairman must remain in the North-Central in line with the 2021 convention’s zoning arrangement,” the statement read.

They warned that disregarding their resolutions could render the planned convention invalid and amount to disenfranchising genuine members.

The communique added, “We remain steadfast in our loyalty to the party and resolute in our determination to work with all organs and leaders of the PDP to ensure that the forthcoming National Convention becomes a watershed moment, a moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity.”

Among those present at the meeting were FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Ayo Fayose, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, former Governor Samuel Ortom, and several serving and former lawmakers.