Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the North-Central geopolitical zone have voiced strong opposition to what they perceive as systematic marginalization of their region and undue interference by external parties in their internal political processes.
They warned that such external meddling undermines the core values of fairness, equity, and democratic governance within the party.
During an urgent assembly convened in Abuja, key North-Central figures-including current National Assembly members, former governors, ex-ministers, members of the Party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), and several state party chairpersons-engaged in in-depth discussions about the PDP’s current condition and the strategic role of their zone ahead of the upcoming Elective National Convention.
In a statement released at the conclusion of the meeting and signed by Chief Adakole Ijogi on behalf of the North-Central PDP stakeholders, the group highlighted a stark disparity between the unity observed in the southern caucuses and the escalating tensions within the northern factions.
They referenced the Southern PDP Caucus’s successful and transparent micro-zoning meeting held on 22 August 2025 in Lagos State, where all National Working Committee (NWC) positions were equitably distributed, exemplifying solidarity, discipline, and organizational sophistication.
The stakeholders expressed deep concern that divisive and harmful narratives are being deliberately propagated by external forces aiming to fracture the region’s unity ahead of the critical Ibadan Convention.
Following thorough deliberations, the North-Central leaders reached a unanimous decision urging the PDP’s northern leadership to promptly organize a Northern Caucus meeting. This gathering is deemed essential to promote sincere dialogue, resolve ongoing zoning disputes, and restore mutual trust throughout the region.
“Upon evaluating the party’s status and the necessity for fairness, the North-Central PDP leaders collectively resolved the following:
“The Party’s northern leadership must urgently convene a Northern Caucus meeting to enable authentic discussions, settle the persistent zoning deadlock, and demonstrate a cohesive stance.
“They emphatically affirmed that the National Chairman position of the PDP should be zoned to and retained by the North-Central Zone.
“This stance is grounded in a clear injustice: in 2022, the North-Central Zone was unfairly denied the opportunity to complete its constitutionally mandated tenure for the National Chairman role.
“Rectifying this discrepancy is essential for justice and equitable treatment, and the zone is determined to reclaim its rightful mandate,” the communiqué emphasized.
The group further underscored that such proactive engagement is crucial for reinstating internal harmony and guaranteeing that the zone’s interests are effectively represented as the party approaches its convention.
Additionally, the meeting expressed unwavering confidence in the 2025 National Convention Planning Committee, led by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, and reiterated full backing for the Ibadan Convention.
The leaders strongly denounced the actions of certain individuals motivated by personal gain who, in their view, are attempting to obstruct the process. They affirmed that the upcoming convention is “an unstoppable force” that will not be hindered by selfish agendas, highlighting their dedication to the collective mission of revitalizing the PDP.
Moreover, the stakeholders voiced alarm over the orchestrated surge of defections across the political spectrum. They cautioned that this trend poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic fabric, describing it as a deliberate strategy to weaken opposition forces and gradually steer the nation toward a one-party system-a development they warned could lead to authoritarian rule disguised as democracy.
