After several hours of a ‘make or mar’ meeting on Tuesday, the 37-member Zoning Committee of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, under the chairmanship of Governor Samuel Ortom, kept it’s outcome close to its chest. The decision has heightened public anxiety and suspense on the matter.
The Committee of 37 wise men from across the country, held the crucial meeting at the Benue Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom addressed journalists at the end of the meeting, emphasizing that it’s decision would be directed to the party organ which gave them the assignment.
“By the Grace of God, we have unanimously adopted a position that will be sent to the NEC of our party that appointed us. The good news for the teeming supporters of the PDP and Nigerians is that we have resolved and every one of us -the 37 members, unanimously adopted the position that we are going to present to NEC.”
Although Ortom was reticent about the zoning formula, it was learnt that the committee would urge NEC to fling open the Presidential race to all aspirants, irrespective of thei zones.
That decision will be a reflection of the recommendation of an earlier Committee set up to review the 2019 elections and headed by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
On March 16, 2022, the party’s National Executive Committee, at its 95th meeting, instituted a 37-man committee comprising members from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to recommend a zoning formula for the various electoral offices ahead of next year’s polls.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has resigned his membership of the Zoning Committee, citing conflict of interests. He said he has decided to join in the presidential race and it would be inappropriate to continue as member of the Committee.
His brief letter to the Committee on Tuesday reads: “Having hinted during our last meeting of my intention to run for the Office of the President in the coming primary election and by God’s grace, the general election, it will not be morally right to continue to participate in the zoning debate being an aspirant myself. Therefore, my state has nominated the bearer of this letter, Dr Gbenga Faseluka, to replace me.”
The Tuesday meeting was well attended by members made up of some serving and former Governor’s, former Ministers, lawmakers and party Chieftains.
