By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday inaugurated its National Convention Zoning Committee (NCZC) to determine the zoning arrangement for its national officers ahead of the November elective national convention.

The acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum while inaugurating the zoning committee in Abuja on Thursday, tasked the members to be guided by justice, inclusivity, and the vision of a stronger PDP.

Damagum described the committee as the ?engine room? that would lay the political foundation for the next leadership of the PDP, saying that its actions would shape the party?s ability to serve Nigerians, and the party to win elections.

He noted that PDP operated in a dynamic and sometimes turbulent political terrain which always demanded the very best from the party.

He recalled that in the recent times, PDP faced leadership changes and the defection of some of its members, yet the party remained a central force in Nigeria?s democratic journey.

?That is why the next National Working Committee (NWC) must not only be representative, it should be visionary, courageous, and proactive.

?We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity. We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians.

?Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory.

?I trust that the zoning committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and a full understanding of the bigger picture: PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest,? he said.

Damagum advised the committee to make decisions that would reignite hope and inspire confidence in people saying that politics demanded pragmatism, not sentiments.

?Loyalty is the lifeblood of our party. Without it, unity is impossible. Yet loyalty alone is not enough, it must walk hand in hand with competence.

?As you consider zoning, picture the calibre of individuals who may emerge from each zone. Ask yourselves, will this person embody the values and strength of the PDP in a way that makes us proud before the nation?? he asked.

Damagum also charged the committee to note that the deputies positions were as important as the principals, citing how he emerged as the acting national chairman from deputy national chairman (North).

He said though the process was dramatic, he was able to rise to the challenge and stand firm in the storm because he was prepared and understood the weight of service.

The National Organising Secretary of PDP, Umar Bature, said that the committee was very important as it would lay the foundation for the future of PDP in coming years and the catalyst that would bring life back to the party.

Bature expressed confidence that the committee would do justice with the responsibility assigned to it and submit its report in the next two weeks.

The Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Morro, urging the committee to get it right, said that the lessons and consequences from the last zoning arrangement for the 2023 general election circle was still fresh within the party.

?The disastrous consequences of what was conceived to be right decision. The expectation of all of us here, especially from the National Assembly, is that this time we must get it right. We can no longer experiment,? he said.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP Board of Trustees, former Minister of Women Affairs, Chief Inna Shiroma, expressed the board?s support for any decision taken to move the party forward.

She, however, advised the committee to be careful and to do the right thing, saying Nigerians need PDP to rescue the country.

The Chairman of PDP Governors? Forum, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, promised the committee of the forum?s support.

?I assure you, the governors are behind this project of making Nigeria one and unified and bringing a leadership recruitment that will make Nigeria happy, irrespective of their personal interests,?? he said.

He expressed confidence that the committee would do its best in providing the best leadership to lead PDP into victory in 2027.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Committee and Governor of Bayelsa, Duoye Diri, described the assignment as huge, pledging the committee?s resolve to do its best.

?We will be consultative, we will partner, and we will be inclusive in ensuring that we arrive at a fair and just zoning formula for our party,? Diri said.

Also at the meeting were governors of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, members of the PDP National Working Committee and some BoT members. (NAN)

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