Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a zoning controversy, with key figures exchanging heated remarks. The dispute centers on the party’s zoning arrangements, which will be decided at the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, speaking after the Southwest zoning consultative summit in Lagos, insisted that the PDP is not dead. He also responded to a call by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, not to remove the South-South zonal chairman, Dan Orbih. Makinde stated, “Personally, when people go low, or they go into the gutters, I don’t go with them.”
However, Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, challenged Makinde to address Wike directly. Olayinka posted on social media platform X, “The brave must never give his ears to the murmuring of the coward until he grows enough balls to be able to speak directly.”
The outcome of the Southern Leaders zoning consultative summit has been rejected by some PDP members believed to be loyal to Wike. Despite the tension, the Bayelsa governor, Douye Diri-led zoning committee, will propose a zoning formula for the 19 National Working Committee positions between the North and the South at the NEC meeting.
The NEC is expected to take a stand on the committee’s recommendations on zoning during the meeting. The PDP’s zoning arrangements have been a contentious issue, with various factions vying for control. The party’s leadership is under pressure to resolve the dispute and present a united front ahead of future elections.
The zoning controversy has sparked intense debate within the PDP, with some members calling for a more inclusive and transparent process. The party’s NEC meeting will be closely watched, as it will determine the direction of the PDP’s zoning arrangements and potentially shape the party’s future.
