A coalition of high-ranking leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Southern Nigeria has publicly rejected and condemned a zoning consultation meeting set for Lagos this Thursday—declaring that any outcome from it is “null and void.”

The meeting, dubbed the “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” was orchestrated by the party’s Zoning Committee and slated to take place at Legend Hotel, Ikeja. It is meant to discuss the sensitive issue of power rotation and zoning within the party.

In a sharply worded press release, State Chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States, along with key leaders including the National Vice Chairman (South-East), the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and several senators, labeled the summit a clandestine exercise aimed at fulfilling “the selfish ambition of a select few.”

Titled “Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” the statement emphasized that the summit was convened without inviting many State Chairmen, the elected National Secretary, Deputy National Legal Adviser, and a host of former governors—who historically shape PDP decisions. “Such a brazen disregard for established structures… not only offends the spirit of collective decision-making but risks undermining the very foundation upon which our party was built,” the statement said.

Several news outlets captured the intense criticism. Punch reported that these stakeholders labeled the zoning summit “illegal and divisive”, insisting that its results would not be recognized. Similarly, Daily Post quoted the leaders calling the meeting “premature,” especially since the Zoning Committee has yet to submit its report for party-wide approval.

Adding to the mounting pressure, The Nation highlighted that while some PDP members seek micro-zoning to specific Southern zones, others demand a broader approach to allow open competition across all six geopolitical zones. “Any meeting that ignores key leaders and elected officials breaks trust, causes division, and threatens party unity,” said Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda

The clash over the zoning summit is more than internal politicking—it’s a test of democratic values within Nigeria’s opposition party. As Southern PDP leaders stand firm, demanding inclusivity and collective decision-making, it becomes clear that any path forward must include all voices. Anything less could fracture party unity beyond repair.

What’s your perspective?—Is PDP moving fast enough toward inclusivity, or is power politics overriding democratic ideals? Drop your thoughts below.