Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Executive Council (NEC) will finalise decisions on zoning at its meeting scheduled for Monday. Speaking during a Lagos stakeholders’ gathering on Thursday, Makinde emphasised that the consultative session was aimed at fostering inclusivity and unity within the party ahead of the NEC meeting.
He stated, “A decision is coming and it is a NEC decision. This consultative meeting is not statutory in PDP’s constitution, but democracy is about inclusivity, ensuring all stakeholders are carried along.”
Responding to questions about the party’s presidential ticket and southern zone candidacy, Makinde remarked, “We haven’t even gotten there. We need to have a united party before discussing presidential candidates. Our efforts are centred on making PDP a credible and united alternative Nigerians can trust.”
The gathering in Lagos brought together sitting and former governors, legislators, and party elders, underlining PDP’s ongoing relevance despite claims of decline. Makinde said, “Those suggesting PDP is defunct have not seen the calibre of people here today — committed leaders ready to restore PDP’s rightful place.”
Addressing internal tensions, particularly comments by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike defending the South-South zonal chairman Dan Orbih, Makinde asserted, “Personally, when people go low or into the gutters, I don’t accompany them.”
He assured that outreach to aggrieved members will continue, adding, “Disagreements should not be personal. Nigerians are watching, and our focus remains on working together to regain public confidence.”
However, some southern PDP leaders have distanced themselves from the Lagos meeting, calling it exclusionary and unrepresentative due to the absence of key figures from several southern regions. They stressed the zoning committee’s ongoing work, with its report awaited by the NEC for ratification.
Notable attendees included former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, ex-PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George, BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, and Senator Ben Obi.
