OUR NATIONAL CONVENTION WILL GO ON AS PLANNED, DAMAGUM REPLIES WIKE’S CAMP. (PHOTO).

 Our National Convention will go on as planned, Damagum replies Wike’s camp

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to go ahead with its elective National Convention scheduled for November 15th and 16th in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Convention Committee at the party headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the National Chairman, said those against the convention were detractors, who will not succeed.

He said the PDP is alive and strong and ready to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

On Monday night, some members of the PDP loyal to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and came up with fresh conditions for the convention to hold.

Among those who attended last night’s meeting were former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi (Enugu), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and National Secretary, Anyanwu.

The group which tagged itself as Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said having met to review the state of the party and assessed the critical issues leading to the forthcoming National Convention, agreed with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains, but “we further, and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party.”

The group also said the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention.

Other demands of the group includes a call on the National Working Committee to “urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in line with judgments of the courts.

“That a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be conducted.

“That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State and recognised by the court be respected.

“That the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement.”

According to the communique, the PDP stands at a defining crossroads where its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its future relevance.

They said unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements, adding that “a credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law as well as inclusivity."