The AIT founder had declared for the position after it was zoned to the South, until Thursday, August 5, when that decision was reversed.

The Southern caucus of the party at meeting, which last for several hours, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State decided to zone the chairmanship slot to the South-West, Deputy Chairman to the South-South, and the National Organising Secretary to the South-East.

The new zoning arrangement is, however, favourable to Chief Bode George, who obtained his nomination form for the position today, August 5.

It also favours the former governor of Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel; a former minister of education, Tunde Adeniran; and Owolabi Salis, a lawyer.

It was gathered that the party's candidate in the 2015 governorship election in Lagos, Jimi Agbaje might also join the race.

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However, it is unclear if Dokpesi, who has not commented on the new zoning arrangement, would abide by the decision of the party's stakeholders. He had earlier vowed not to step down for anyone.

The PDP convention is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on August 17, amid opposition from the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the party.