PDP presidential primary venue tears NWC, BOT apart

Two organs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BOT) are sharply divided over the choice of venue for the party’s October 6 presidential primary special convention.

Disagreement over the venue came to the fore on Monday at the inauguration of the Special Convention Committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Deputy National Chairman (South), Elder Yemi Akinwomi who inaugurated the committee on behalf of the national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus had in his speech said the party had settled for Port Harcourt as an acceptable venue after due consultations with different caucuses of the party.

But the chairman, Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jubrin immediately countered his position by saying that the party is yet to settle for a venue but will in due course come out with an acceptable venue that will be suitable and convenient for a successful convention.

Elder Akinwomi said “the party set up a committee headed by Ibrahim Kazure, and they went round the South South Zone and South East Zone before coming out with the choice of Port Harcourt for us.

The National Working Committee (NWC) has consulted widely with the PDP Governors forum; we have consulted widely with the BOT; we have consulted widely with caucus of the party and today it has been jointly accepted that we will converge in Port Harcourt, in no distance time for the National Convention.

“The international community has told us that they want to watch keenly the Port Harcourt Convention. Particularly they said they want to come and watch the process that will lead to the emergency of our flag bearer, because by the grace of God our flag bearer will be the next President of Nigeria”.

Speaking immediately after him, the BOT chairman, Walid Jibrin said he turned down his nomination into the Special Convention Committee because other members of the BOT have already made the list.

Countering the NWC position on Port Harcourt, Jibrin said “even though the Deputy Chairman said the issue of venue have been concluded, I want to say that the issue of venue is still on and is not concluded because there are many suggestions on the issue of venue. We look at all suggestions;

I assure you that the issue of venue will be resolved. For now we are working around the clock to ensure that we have a very suitable venue accepted by everybody. I want to say that every one of us should come together and ensure that we have a venue suitable to all of us.”

Trying to save the ugly disagreement, the Secretary of the 85 member committee, Dave Umahi who is the governor of Ebonyi State said “I think the working committee and the BOT need to settle this and not to be discussing this disagreement before the press”.

Senator David Mark had earlier said the venue should not be a big deal as he will abide by the party’s decision on the venue.

Okowa described the assignment as the most important assignment in the history of the party at least for this year, promising that the committee will do it’d best to conduct an acceptable convention.

“We are very much aware that if we get this convention right and when the processes are such that they are credible, free and fair, we will definitely have the buy in of all our presidential aspirants. And we will now have a united family.

“I also want to believe that if there are any internal issues, it will be resolved within today. I am very confident of that.

Because all of us believe that the only way forward is for the entirety of the party to stay united and focused. And as such, as members of the PDP, we cannot afford to disagree on any issues.

The thing that is needed is for a free and fair primary to be conducted for all our aspirants. And we are very definite that we will get it right.

“No matter where we take it to, we will do what is right. And I believe that at the end of the day, nobody will have any cause to complain”.

Meanwhile presidential aspirants of the party who appeared before the presidential screening committee led by former vice president, Nnamadi Sambo at the PDP Presidential Campaign Office, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja yesterday, commended the screening process.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who was first screened said he was happy that the atmosphere at the screening was that of fairness and friendliness both from the aspirants and the party.

Speaking through his media aide, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, he said, “This has given me the belief that PDP is ready for free, fair and credible process. The unity that existed while waiting for the screening showed that they will work together with whoever emerges. “

“I am also impressed that there is no bitterness in the ongoing campaign by the presidential aspirants”.

Former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang said the process was transparent and credible.

“The process is beautiful. Absolutely I stand a chance to win the ticket. I am optimistic because believe in God and I believe that God is going to give it to me”, he said while the Governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal: also said the screening went on smoothly, without any issues.

Former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki while expressing confidence in the screening committee said the aspirants must work together and that there must be a synergy to ensure that PDP saves Nigeria from imminent collapse.

“Only one person can be president at a given time and whosoever gets it, by the special grace of God we are resolute to agreeing to support that person.

“It is not about us, it is not about selfish interest, it is about our party and about this country. It is only PDP that can save this country. We are not going to be distracted, the focus that all of us have and that focus is that we should ensure that PDP gets back into office on May 29, 2019. ”

Also former vice president Atiku Abubakar said the screening was fine.

Former Senate President, David Mark said the screening was rigorous, tough, but also very interesting.

The 10 man screening committee has former Vice President, Nnamadi Sambo, as the chairman and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel as Secretary.

Other members of the committee are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; a former President of the Senate, Iyorcha Ayu and Chief Tom Ikimi.

Also in the list are Chief Okwesikizie Nwodo, Hajia Ina Ciroma, Mrs Kema Chikwe, Dr. Haliru Bello, Chief Ebenezer Babatope