Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers from Nigeria’s South-East have threatened to boycott the party’s national convention if the position of National Woman Leader is withdrawn from the zone.
Rep. Ikenga-Imo Ugochinyere, speaking on behalf of the group, said in Abuja on Sunday that the legislators would issue a formal disclaimer and stay away from the convention in Ibadan, due to take place from 15 to 16 November, if the alleged zoning change is confirmed.
“We will not attend the convention if the National Woman Leader position is not clearly reserved for Imo State. If this injustice is allowed, no elected representative from the South-East will remain in the PDP,” he said.
He added that the exit of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to the APC had nullified the earlier understanding that Enugu would produce the Woman Leader, as his nominee had also defected.
According to Ugochinyere, some party leaders are plotting to shift the position to the South-South, a move he said would alienate the South-East and deepen internal discord.
“Such an action will aggravate the existing confusion within the PDP. If the remaining South-East stakeholders boycott the convention, it will plunge the party into more crisis,” he cautioned.
He called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and ensure equity by supporting the South-East’s claim to the position.
“It would be highly disrespectful to strip the South-East of a position already earmarked for it and hand it to another zone,” he added.
