Ahead of its National Convention, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have had its key offices zoned, with the chairmanship ceded to the Southwest.
It was learnt yesterday that Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; his Rivers State counterpart Nyesom Wike and National Chairman Modu Ali Sheriff will play crucial roles in the choice of candidates that may lead the party.
Some of the offices zoned so far include National Chairman (Southwest); Secretary (Southsouth); Deputy National Chairman (Northeast); National Organising Secretary (Southeast) and National Publicity Secretary (Northcentral).
It was learnt that the zoning of the plum offices was arrived at a secret session between some PDP governors and party chieftains in Abuja.
Some of the governors were said to be trying to prevail on the leadership to hold the convention in Port Harcourt.
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Ahead of the PDP National Convention in May, some forces in the party have met secretly and drawn up a zoning formula which they may impose on the party.
“In anticipation of the concession of the party’s presidential ticket to the North in 2019, they want the Southwest to produce the next chairman. Those in this group are being led by Fayose who is insisting that the zone has never led the party.
“These forces, including a few governors, are already selling the plot to unsuspecting PDP leaders, especially those from the North.
“Apart from Fayose, Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu; Governor Nyesom Wike, and the National Chairman of PDP, Sheriff may influence the choice of candidates who will lead the party. Fayose is central because in the next few months, the Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Dr. Segun Mimiko, will complete his two-term tenure and he will not be at advantage to dictate the pace in Southwest PDP Caucus.
“From the script so far, I think Fayose might decide who will be the next National Chairman from the South-West. The choice of Deputy National Chairman has been conceded to Sheriff and the Deputy Senate President will determine the suitable candidate to be the next National Organising Secretary.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “I am aware that the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, wants to return to the National Working Committee (NWC) as National Organising Secretary.
“Metuh’s fate is certainly in the hands of Ekweremadu, who is the natural leader of the party from the Southeast.”
The secret zoning formula may lead to a big crisis in the party.
A source said it could lead to an “exodus of people from the party”.