Wike, PDP Stakeholders Demand Southern Presidency in 2027, Warn Party Risks Self-Destruction

A high-level gathering of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, convened by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja, has issued a firm demand for the party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, warning that the PDP is teetering on the brink of collapse if urgent reforms are not implemented.

The meeting, which held behind closed doors for several hours on Monday, brought together members under the umbrella of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.” In a strongly worded communique read by Wike, the group called on the party to respect its constitution and internal democratic processes or risk extinction.

“In the spirit of fairness, inclusion, federal character principles and respect for our party constitution, the party must make an unequivocal pronouncement zoning its presidential candidate to the South in the 2027 elections,” the communique stated.

Zoning, Leadership Disputes, and Constitutional Crisis

The stakeholders insisted that only the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, is constitutionally empowered to issue notices for National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings and other key gatherings, invalidating all such actions not originating from him. They reaffirmed Anyanwu’s legitimacy as National Secretary, citing relevant sections of the PDP constitution and a Supreme Court ruling.

The group demanded a joint notice from acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and Anyanwu to convene an emergency NEC meeting, noting that the continued refusal to do so reflects the party’s descent into crisis fuelled by selfish ambitions and constitutional breaches.

G-5 Governors and Party Survival

The meeting was attended by prominent members of the influential G-5 bloc, including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), another G-5 member, was noticeably absent.

Wike used the platform to remind the party of the G-5’s role in stabilising the nation and PDP during the turbulent pre-2023 election period.

“You may like us, you may hate us — but if the G-5 had not taken the decision we did, this country would have been in crisis,” Wike said.
“Let us not allow greed and ego to kill our party.”

He questioned the double standards in the party’s leadership debates, pointing to how other PDP members retained their party offices even while contesting elections, a scenario now being weaponised against Anyanwu.

Ortom, Others Back Wike’s Influence

Former Benue Governor Ortom threw his weight behind Wike’s leadership and financial contributions to the party, declaring that no one has done more for the PDP.

“He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” Ortom said. “Who else has done for the PDP what Wike has done?”

Ortom further argued that President Tinubu's decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister was a recognition of his political relevance and a safeguard against a one-party system.

Stakeholders Urge Compliance, Reconciliation

The communique condemned what it called “divisive tendencies” at all levels of the party and called for urgent adherence to constitutional norms and judicial rulings to avoid implosion. The group also voiced support for the National Reconciliation Committee led by Senator Bukola Saraki.

“We reiterate our commitment to our great party and urge all members to uphold the rule of law, resist all machinations aimed at destabilizing the party,” the group resolved.