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Wike Chides PDP Leadership for Abandoning Zoning
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has criticized the decision of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership to abandon zoning in the upcoming presidential primary elections.
Speaking to senators-elect who visited him, Wike stated that the PDP’s decision is in “clear violation of the party’s constitution” and contributed to the party’s defeat in the previous presidential election.
Wike added that section 7(3)(c) of the PDP constitution demands that the party “shall adhere” to the policy of rotation of elective and appointive offices in the principles of equity, justice and fairness.
Wike also said that unity of Nigeria is essential and that it is more important than party interests.
In the build-up to the PDP primary in May 2022, some party stakeholders demanded that the presidential ticket be zoned to the south.
However, the party ditched zoning, throwing the contest for the presidential ticket open.
Wike’s criticism is directed towards the PDP leadership’s lack of adherence to the party’s own constitution.
Wike mentioned the recent announcement that nine out of thirteen House of Representative seats in Rivers state are to be held by the PDP.
Wike said he is confident that this trend will continue.
The rotation of the presidential ticket has been a longstanding tradition in the PDP as a means of creating equilibrium in the distribution of power amongst the various geopolitical zones.
The abandonment of zoning has generated displeasure from select party stakeholders, and subsequent criticism from Governor Wike. The PDP nonetheless maintains an open presidential primary, with several aspirants expressing interest in running for the party’s ticket.
Credit: https://www.thecable.ng/it-was-anti-party-wike-chides-pdp-leadership-for-abandoning-zoning
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