Ebonyi 2023: PDP Chieftain Calls for Guber Zoning Arrangement

From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain in Ebonyi State, Barr. Mudi Ehrenede has urged the party to address the burning issue of gubernatorial zoning arrangement ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Ehrenede who is the PDP Legal Adviser in the state, made the call while speaking with news men in Abakaliki.

He said that immediate convocation of a meeting on the issue was imperative in order to ensure that PDP recaptures power in the state in 2023.

“I was part of the first civilian administration of the state and towards its end, we advised the then governor, Sen. Sam Egwu that power should shift to the Afikpo bloc as he hails from the Abakaliki bloc.

He noted that Egwu instead advised that the senatorial zoning arrangement was maintained because it was more defined and safer.

“He hails from the north senatorial zone, subsequently handed over to a successor from the central zone before we had Umahi from the south zone presently,” he said.

He however expressed fears that the issue of bloc has resurfaced with some politicians and even leaders, agitating for power return to the Abakaliki bloc.

“Even people from my party are talking about blocs and I am asking whether we have gone back to the bloc arrangement or still adopting the zone arrangement.

He said that the PDP should immediately convoke a meeting to decide whether they are adopting the bloc or zone arrangement as the election approaches.

“Ehrenede said that he was not against anyone who wishes to contest election but if the party clamours for justice and equity, it must do things right.

He advised the party to decide which zone will get the slot and if they can’t decide on such, allow people across the zones with the capacity to win election contest.

“We would not lose anything in making such decision now because secret arrangements end secretly.

“When people are allowed to contest and spend fortunes, they would not be happy to lose and would show their resentment in various forms”

He assured that the party’s leadership in the state was doing its best to ensure the release of its publicity secretary, Mr. Chika Nwoba among others incarnated over alleged violation of the state’s cyber law.

“Our reconciliation committee is meeting all aggrieved members and we are optimistic to have fruitful results.