A powerful faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the party: meet our demands or forget the upcoming National Convention.
The group, which includes key PDP figures such as former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, made its position clear during a meeting hosted by Wike at his Asokoro residence in Abuja on Monday night. Addressing the press on Tuesday morning, Ortom declared that the PDP is at a “defining crossroads,” and ignoring their grievances would further fracture the already divided party.
Present at the closed-door session were several members of the G-5 ex-governors who previously challenged the party’s leadership. These included Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Wike himself. Notably absent was the fifth G-5 member, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who has since distanced himself from the group and aligned with the mainstream PDP.
Also in attendance were former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose recently cleared of EFCC charges and PDP National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, both known allies of Wike.
In a communiqué signed by Ortom, the group made six key demands, warning that ignoring them would “render any purported national convention invalid” as it would disenfranchise legitimate party members.
Their Six Demands Are:
- Fresh Congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra: Must align with existing court judgments.
- New South East Zonal Congress: To ensure fair regional representation.
- Respect for South-South Congress Outcome: As upheld by judicial rulings.
- Conduct Ekiti LGA Congresses: In compliance with judicial directives.
- No Further Micro-Zoning: Beyond the existing NEC-approved general zoning formula.
- North Central Must Retain National Chairmanship: In line with the 2021 zoning agreement.
The faction stressed that PDP must prioritize justice, transparency, and inclusiveness if it hopes to reunite and effectively challenge the ruling party in future elections.
“Unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements,” the communiqué read.
The group concluded by reiterating its loyalty to the PDP and called on all stakeholders to ensure that the National Convention becomes a turning point “a moment where unity triumphs over division and justice prevails over impunity.”
Their warning signals deeper internal tensions and places the PDP at a critical juncture in its political future.
