Southern leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have distanced themselves from a meeting held in Lagos to deliberate on the party’s zoning formula ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Thursday, the leaders — including state chairmen, former governors, National Assembly members and other stakeholders — dismissed the gathering as “illegal” and lacking legitimacy.
They stressed that any resolutions from the Lagos summit “are neither binding on, nor reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria.” The leaders also warned that “decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.”
The statement, titled “Re: Purported Meeting of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit”, was signed by the PDP chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states — Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatius Ikem, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka.
Others who endorsed the position include the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck; House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. O. K. Chinda; Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, and Mike Ama Nnachi; as well as former National Secretary Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, and former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser Barr. Mudi Erhenede.
The Southern PDP leaders condemned the “nicodemously summoned” meeting, alleging that several state chairmen, national officers, and key stakeholders — including principal officers of the National Assembly and former governors — were deliberately excluded from the process.
They described the exclusion as a “brazen disregard for established structures and statutory organs of the PDP,” warning that it undermines the party’s tradition of inclusivity, equity, and collective responsibility.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting as neither binding on, or reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria,” the statement read.
The leaders further alleged that the summit was “premature and targeted at protecting the interest and selfish ambition of a select few,” pointing out that the zoning committee set up by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has not presented its official report.
They called on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), the NEC, and other stakeholders to disregard the Lagos meeting, warning that any attempt to legitimise it would be met with strong resistance.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the unity, stability and electoral fortunes of the PDP,” the statement concluded.
