Follow Us on Google
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Abdulraman Mohammed, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, has assured that era of uncertainty in the opposition party is over.
Mohamed stated this, yesterday, at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja.
The National chairman noted that the NEC meeting, which was attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, former Senate president, Bukola Saraki; former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, as well as Okezie Ikpeazu and Samuel Ortom, former governors of Abia and Benue states respectively, among others, was the beginning of a new chapter for the opposition party.
Mohammed noted that the PDP has successfully navigated through its internal challenges and is now focused on the future, stating that the opposition party remains committed to the principles of democracy, rule of law and equity in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consolidation and electoral preparation has begun today. In this regard, we are on the roadmap for our nationwide party primaries.
“Let me essentially say that the PDP is set to conduct transparent, credible, and inclusive party primaries at all levels in strict compliance with the extant laws and the democratic best practice . We have determined to produce candidates who will reflect with the will of our members and the aspiration of the Nigerian people.
“As we approach the 2017 election, the PDP remains committed to upholding the principles of international democracy, rule of law, equity, and national dignity to all.
“We call on all our members to remain focused, united, and committed to the collective interests of the party above all personal interests and ambitions.
“Let this NEC meeting mark the beginning of a new chapter defined by resistance, strategy, clarity and a purposeful leadership. Together we shall rebuild and re-energize and reclaim our rightful place as a leading democratic platform in Nigeria.”
The FCT, who doubles as the National Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has extended an olive branch to aggrieved party members, assuring them they will receive their due entitlements if they return to the fold.
Wike expressed appreciation to party leaders for their commitment to the party, stating that there is need for reconciliation in the opposition party.
He implored the NWC to reach out to members, who have defected to other political platforms and bring them back to the PDP, saying that they may leave because of fear of uncertainty.
Other News
“Now that we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation. The more the merrier. Let us not say those who have defected, let them go. No. Chairman and your team, make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected. There is still room for them to come back. And whatever is due to them, they will still have it.
“Most of them may have defected because of uncertainty. It is like, I want to run an election, and I am not sure who will sign my documents to be presented to INEC. So, most people will definitely find where they can get succour. But now that our party is back and the party will be on the ballot paper, if you go and talk to them, I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party.”
The Minister, who pledged his continued support and loyalty to the PDP stated that he has been a member of the opposition party since 1998 and has not left.
“On my own part, let me assure you, I will continue to support the party. I will continue to be loyal to the party. Since 1998 till now, I have been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party.
That is the truth of the matter.
“Let me also assure those of you who are afraid, believing that matter is the court. I believe that our lawyers are doing great work, and I want to leave it for our lawyers. But we are confident that our lawyers have been doing great work. God, who has led this far, can never abandon us.”
The National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, told journalists after the NEC meeting that the party organ approved the framework for the party primaries and noted that the NWC will work out the details and release a timetable soon.
“The timetable will soon be made available by the National Working Committee. We have our own programmes, but the framework has already been set by NEC, so the other aspects are left to the NWC.”
Anyanwu added that in the coming days, the NWC will unveil a high-powered committee to reach all party members across the zones as part of its reconciliation efforts.
The PDP has been polarized, in the aftermath of the opposition party’s national convention, organized by the immediate past National Chairman, Umar Damagum, where former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, was elected as National Chairman. The Turaki NWC enjoys backing of the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde.
Few days later, Wike’s loyalists set up a caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the opposition party pending the conduct of a fresh convention.
On March 9, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on March 9 nullified the Ibadan convention. In the aftermath of the judgment, there were moves to reconcile the two camps, without success.
Thereafter, the Turaki led NWC, appealed to the Supreme Court, while the Wike bloc bloc held its own convention, on March 29 and 30 in Abuja, where it elected a new NWC headed by Mohammed.The Supreme Court has fixed April 22 for hearing of the appeal by the Turaki camp.
