The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman for the South-South, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, has clarified that recent zoning consultations within the party are not binding until the National Executive Committee (NEC) gives its approval.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Chief Ogidi explained that the Lagos meeting which stirred controversy, was convened by the Zoning Committee, not the NEC.
The committee was established by the NEC to review leadership arrangements across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The meeting was attended by representatives from each zone and was aimed at gathering input and perspectives on the zoning issue.
According to him, “The meeting was called by the Zoning Committee. The last NEC established the Zoning Committee, confirmed the membership, and after the inauguration on Thursday last week, they held their first meeting.
”And one of the issues reached at their first meeting was that they should go to their North and South and make a consultation. That was what informed this meeting, ” he said.
Ogidi stressed that the outcome of the meeting remained provisional until NEC deliberated and approved it.
He noted that the NEC has the final say and could accept or reject the recommendations of the Zoning Committee.
Regarding the presidential ticket for 2027, Ogidi said it was too early to make any decisions.
He cited the NEC’s directive that it was premature to start campaigning and that the party should focus on other issues.
Ogidi urged party members to exercise patience and avoid unnecessary press briefings and divisions.
He cautioned against premature conclusions and emphasised the need for unity within the party.
Ogidi assured PDP members and Nigerians that the party would resolve its internal issues and emerge stronger.
He appealed for patience and trust in the party’s leadership, saying that the issues would be resolved with God’s grace.
