Wike’s Loyalists Appoint Zonal Coordinators, Exclude Makinde and Fintiri from 2027 Campaign Structure

A southern faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Wike-for-President 2027 (WFP2027) movement has finalized key steps toward building its campaign structure, recommending several prominent figures as zonal coordinators while excluding others viewed as disloyal.

During a closed-door emergency meeting of the WFP2027 Southern Zone Committee held on August 21, 2025, members focused on implementing directives from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to strengthen the campaign framework from the national to state levels.

According to minutes of the meeting marked “Top Secret” and obtained by SaharaReporters, the committee approved the following appointments:

• Samuel Ortom – North Central

• Ayo Fayose – South West

• Okezie Ikpeazu – South East

• Chief Dan Orbih – South South

The committee deferred the choice of national and northern zonal coordinators to Wike, citing his “deep understanding of loyalists across the country.”

However, the group ruled out several PDP leaders — including Hon. Bature, Governor Ahmed Fintiri, and Governor Seyi Makinde — labeling them “turncoats” who have allegedly drifted away from Wike’s political circle. The minutes stated that Makinde’s “inordinate ambition” had made him unreliable for the campaign structure.

“The meeting is reluctant to recommend Hon. Bature and His Excellency Ahmed Fintiri for NW and NE respectively because they seem to be no longer with the group — in fact, they have become turncoats, just like H.E. Makinde,” the document read.

The session, attended by top PDP members including Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Hon. Abraham Amah, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, Sen. George Sekibo, and Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, also condemned a separate meeting of southern PDP leaders held in Lagos, describing it as “illegal” and “self-serving.” Members warned that any resolutions from that forum could face legal challenge.

The committee reaffirmed its loyalty to Wike, praising his performance as FCT Minister and lauding his growing public presence as evidence of his readiness for national leadership.

The Southern Zone meeting ended with a resolution to formally present its recommendations to Wike and mobilize support for his 2027 presidential ambition, emphasizing unity and discipline within the faction.