The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has decided to zone the position of state chairman to the Abia North senatorial zone.
This decision emerged from a caucus meeting held on Sunday, where party members discussed and adopted the recommendations of the PDP committee on rotation and zoning.
The motion to maintain this zoning arrangement was put forward by Chikwendu Kanu, the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, and seconded by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara. Following their endorsements, the state caucus proceeded with the zoning plan.
A statement issued by Abraham Amah, the Vice Chairman and acting Publicity Secretary, clarified the new distribution: “The state caucus subsequently zoned the Chairmanship to Abia North, as all positions formerly held by Abia South were turned to Abia North, all positions held by Abia North were turned to Abia Central, and all positions held by Abia Central were turned over to Abia South.”
The new zoning formula has received praise from some PDP members, who believe it will promote stability and equity within the party. However, this decision has not been universally welcomed. Some PDP members from Abia North have voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that the next gubernatorial slot should be zoned to Abia North as compensation for the perceived injustices of 2023.
Ogbo Kalu, a party chieftain from Bende Local Government Area in Abia North, expressed strong feelings about the matter. He attributed the party’s poor performance in 2023 to the imposition of candidates and injustices faced by Abia North. Kalu stated, “The zoning of the PDP chairmanship to Abia North is not what Abia North deserves. I tell you that it cannot assuage the injustice our party did to Abia North. We deserve the gubernatorial ticket.”
This sentiment reflects ongoing tensions within the party, as members from different zones continue to seek fair representation and opportunities in leadership roles.