PDP Southern Leaders Hold Lagos Summit on Zoning Ahead of National Convention

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the southern region of Nigeria convened in Lagos on Thursday for a high-level consultative summit to deliberate on the zoning of key positions ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention. The meeting, tagged the “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” was seen as a critical step in shaping the party’s internal balance of power and preparing for future political contests.

The parley, which began around 2:30 p.m., drew prominent PDP stakeholders, including sitting governors, former governors, party board members, and other senior figures. The gathering took place amid growing controversy within the party over zoning arrangements and competing consultations held in other quarters.

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Top Leaders in Attendance

Notable attendees included Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, both influential voices in the PDP’s southern bloc. Enugu State Deputy Governor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, represented Governor Peter Mbah, underscoring the seriousness with which the southeastern delegation approached the summit.

The Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, was also present, alongside veteran party leaders such as Chief Olabode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman. Other high-profile participants were former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom).

The summit also attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including Jumoke Akinjide, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Dr. Ali Odefa; Chief Emma Ogidi; Hon. Nnena Ukeje; and Dr. Eddy Olafeso. Their presence highlighted the broad representation of southern interests within the PDP family.

Zoning at the Center of the Storm

The central agenda of the Lagos summit was the zoning of key party offices, a subject that has historically shaped internal cohesion and electoral outcomes within the PDP. Zoning, a long-standing principle in Nigeria’s political landscape, ensures that power and key positions rotate among different regions to maintain balance and inclusivity.

Ahead of the PDP national convention, zoning has become a contentious issue, with different factions lobbying for favorable allocations. Southern leaders have been particularly vocal about equitable sharing of roles, especially given the PDP’s past experiences with presidential primaries and internal conflicts.

However, the Lagos meeting was not without controversy. Earlier in the week, reports surfaced that another meeting on zoning was being planned separately in Lagos, sparking accusations of illegality and division within the party. Some stakeholders dismissed the parallel gathering as an attempt to undermine southern unity. Despite these tensions, the Southern Zoning Consultative Summit proceeded as scheduled, signaling the determination of its organizers to press ahead with deliberations.

Closed-Door Deliberations

Shortly after opening remarks, journalists and media personnel were asked to vacate the hall, allowing the leaders to hold a closed-door session. The move fueled speculation about the sensitive nature of discussions and the high stakes involved in the zoning debate.

While details of the resolutions had not been made public at press time, sources close to the summit suggested that participants were keen on reaching a unified stance to strengthen the region’s negotiating power ahead of the national convention. The expectation is that the South will present a clear, coordinated position that reflects its interests within the broader PDP framework.

Strategic Importance of the Summit

Political analysts say the Lagos summit carries significant weight for the PDP’s future. With Nigeria’s political terrain highly competitive, the party cannot afford internal rifts over zoning. Southern leaders recognize the need to consolidate their influence, particularly as the PDP seeks to regain lost ground after its defeat in recent general elections.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who has emerged as a key southern figure within the PDP, has consistently emphasized the need for fairness and inclusivity in zoning arrangements. Similarly, Governor Douye Diri has championed regional unity as a foundation for national strength. Their participation in the summit underscored the seriousness of the discussions and the desire to chart a collective course.

Broader Implications for 2027

Beyond the immediate concerns of zoning party offices, Thursday’s consultative summit is also seen as laying the groundwork for the 2027 presidential election. Zoning decisions at this stage will influence which regions produce candidates for the highest office, potentially determining the PDP’s strategy in challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

For the South, the summit represented not just an opportunity to lobby for favorable allocations but also a platform to demonstrate unity and political maturity. Any fragmentation, analysts warn, could weaken the PDP’s southern bloc and reduce its leverage in the national political equation.

A Test of Unity

The PDP has long prided itself on being a party of broad national appeal, with zoning arrangements serving as a stabilizing mechanism. However, internal disputes over zoning have, in the past, contributed to defections and weakening electoral fortunes.

The Lagos summit was therefore viewed as a test of unity among southern leaders — a chance to reconcile competing interests and present a common front. By proceeding with the meeting despite controversies, the southern stakeholders sent a signal of resilience and determination to protect their collective stake within the PDP.

As the party moves closer to its national convention, attention will remain on the outcome of the Southern Zoning Consultative Summit. Whether its deliberations translate into concrete influence in the national arena will be closely watched, both within the PDP and across Nigeria’s wider political landscape.