Abia PDP Zoning: How Party Chairman Allegedly Took The Decision On His Own, Sidelining SWC Members

Recall that the PDP in a statement signed by the state chairman, Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere, stated that "after wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders of the party, the state working committee (SWC) and the entire Executive Committee (EC), resolved to zone the governorship position to Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial District.

The zoning formula came as a shock to some Abians amidst the opinions and counter opinions on zoning and the Abia Charter of Equity.

Some opinion holders in the state have called for all political parties to zone the 2023 Abia guber position to Abia North Senatorial District citing the Abia Charter of Equity. However, the Ukwa la Ngwa people have strongly opposed the calls, stating that Old Bende zone has govern the state for 16 years, while Old Aba has only done 8 years.

AFNEWS learnt from a reliable anonymous source that majority of the State Working Committee members suggested for the position to be zoned to a particular District or leave it open for all district to contest.

Based on the above, the credibility of the communique released by the party is in doubt as it has only the signature of the party chairman.

The absence of the party secretary's signature, suggests that the Abia state PDP SWC is not united and may be having an internal crisis.

Some concerned Abians are of the opinion that the choice of zoning may remove the PDP as the ruling party in the state, giving room for major opposition parties.