Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Announces Wider Consultations Ahead of PDP Convention

PDP stakeholders, including state chairmen, former governors, and serving National Assembly members, gathered for a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, to discuss the party's national convention and zoning of offices. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of democracy and inclusivity, stating that the party's efforts were directed towards having a unified and credible alternative for Nigerians. The meeting's attendees included prominent figures such as Chief Bode George, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Senator Ben Obi. Makinde reassured that the party's zoning decision would be made after the NEC meeting on Monday, ensuring that all stakeholders were carried along.

Key Takeaways:

• Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced that PDP leaders in the south have taken far-reaching decisions to lead to wider consultations ahead of the national convention.
• A group of stakeholders loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disowned the meeting, labeling it "illegal" and "divisive".
• The Conference of Professionals in the PDP has defended the meeting, stating that leaders from the south did not dismiss the stakeholders' summit organized by the zoning committee in Lagos.
• Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State was in attendance at the meeting, as well as 12 out of the 17 members of the zoning committee from the south.
• Makinde emphasized that the meeting was not statutory, but a consultative session aimed at ensuring inclusivity and democracy within the party.
• The decision on zoning offices will be made after the NEC meeting on Monday, and all stakeholders will be carried along in the process.

Statistics:

• The meeting was attended by prominent figures such as Chief Bode George, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Senator Ben Obi.
• Twelve out of the 17 members of the zoning committee from the south were in attendance at the meeting.
• The NEC meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, after which a decision on zoning offices will be made.

Sources:

• "Meeting: PDP Leaders in South Take Far-Reaching Decisions" by Olawale Okunyi, published in the Nigerian Tribune.
• "Leaders of PDP in South Disown Meeting Slatonal Meeting" by Innocent Ajho, published in the Vanguard.
• "Conference of Professionals in the PDP Defends Meeting, States Outcome Did Not Dismiss Zoning" by the Conference of Professionals in the PDP.