Future of our party in your hand, PDP tells Convention Zoning Committee

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Thursday inaugurated members of its National Convention Zoning Committee with the charge that effective handling of their assignment will make or mar the future of the party.

The committee is tasked with the responsibility of fairly and equitably zone elective positions to be contested at the November 15,16 national convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The 44 members committee comprising of the chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the vice chairman, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, one member each from the 36 states and FCT and six members of the Board of Trustees were inaugurated by the party’s acting National Chairman, Amb. Ilya Damagum.

Damagum in his keynote address said “this Committee is the engine room where we lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years. The decisions you take will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and defend the democratic values we represent.

“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory.

“I trust that the Zoning Committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and a full understanding of the bigger picture: PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest.

“Please members of this committee, do keep in mind that the deputies are just as important as the principals. I speak from experience. I ran for and won the position of National Deputy Chairman (North).

“As you consider zoning, picture the calibre of individuals who may emerge from each zone. Ask yourselves, Will this person embody the values and strength of the PDP in a way that makes us proud before the nation?

“Politics demands pragmatism, not sentiment; especially now, when the state of the economy has left many Nigerians disillusioned and disengaged from the democratic process. As a party, we should aim to make decisions that reignite hope and inspire confidence in our people.

“Dear party faithful, know that I have full confidence that each of you will act with the wisdom, courage, and foresight that our great party deserves”.

The acting National Chairman the next National Working Committee, NWC to be produced by the national convention based on equitable zoning formula of the zoning committee must not only be representative, it should be visionary, courageous, and proactive. We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity.

“We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians,” he added.

National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature in his opening address said the zoning committee is important “as it will lay the foundation for the future of this party in coming days and years and months ahead. This committee will be that catalyst that will bring back that life that people have claimed that we have not.

“And we believe the capacity of the chairman of this committee will do justice with the area of members from other states, from the states that are in this committee.

“A lot of experience has to come to bear from the selection of the members of states. And a lot of institutional memory was imputed into that committee. And we believe we will do the right thing.”

He charged the committee to keep to schedule and terms of the assignment to enable the submission of its report during the next NEC meeting on the 25th of August.

Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed assured the committee of its support.

He said the governors are behind the National Working Committee in its desire to make sure the party is repositioned for Nigerians to have a credible alternative with experience and the human capital and the foresight that PDP is known for.

All the legacies and landmarks of democratic dividends have been provided by the PDP. I believe Nigerians are aware that whatever you see, that you are tangible in terms of measurable achievements, were done by PDP.

“I assure you, the governors are behind this project of making Nigeria one and unified and bringing a leadership recruitment that will make Nigeria happy, irrespective of their personal interests. I’m happy with my colleagues. Despite all their busy schedule, they have come here to show you that they are with you.

“And I believe the gentleman we have brought forward to lead this committee has the pedigree and capacity, and all the members indeed that are in the committee. You have the assurances of our respect and support,” he said.

Accepting the responsibility on behalf of members of the zoning committee, the chairman, Governor Diri said “on behalf of the members of the committee, I stand to accept this huge responsibility that has been bestowed upon us.

“We will be consultative, we will partner, and we will be inclusive in ensuring that we arrive at a fair and just zoning formula for our party.

“Thank you for finding us worthy to discharge this assignment and we will discharge it to the best of our ability.”