PDP state Chairmen break into two Factions

Twenty-six state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC), rose from a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday at the end of which they raised alarm that their names and signatures were forged by those loyal to the national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu
Sheriff.

In a swift reaction, another set of 22 state chairmen who have sympathy for Sheriff, met also in Abuja at the end of which they passed vote of confidence on the chairman.

The Forum of State Chairmen loyal to Makarfi, stated that they took serious objection to the way and manner few of their colleagues, without authority, converged under the auspices of the forum to convene a meeting of the party chairmen last week.

The chairmen, in a communique issued at the end of their meeting, said that “the forum of the PDP chairmen met on
Wednesday and discussed issues and matters arising from the Port Harcourt Court of Appeal judgment, the subsequent appeal on same by the NCC to the Supreme Court and the purported meeting of the so-called 23 state chairmen of the party held on March 17, 2017.

“After an exhaustive deliberation, the forum resolved that the elected chairman is Hon. Paul Ekpo, Akwa lbom State chairman, (who) is the only person in consultation with his executive that can legally convene the meeting of the forum.” The forum said it took serious objection to the way and manner few of their colleagues, without
authority, used the names of the forum to convene purported meeting of the PDP chairmen on March 17, 2017.

It expressed sadness that many chapter chairmen of the party had their names, telephone numbers written as attendees and their signatures forged.

“The forum is aware that the affected chairmen have since denounced the fraudulent use of their names. We therefore support whatever appropriate action these chairmen may deem fit and take protection of their good names.

“Furthermore, the forum appreciates the wonderful support of structures/organs to wit, BOT, Governors’ Forum, National Asset Caucus, Forum of Former Ministers, Former Governors etc, to the NCC of the party. “While the forum is not averse to reconciliation/political solution of lingering crisis, it should be without prejudice to the legal process at apex court of the land.

“The forum appreciates the good efforts of the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR); in conjunction with the PDP Governors’ Forum in proffering political solution to the crisis.

We call on all well-meaning members of the Party to support the efforts. The forum praised the efforts of the reconciliation committee under the chairmanship of Governor Serieke Dickson of Bayelsa State, stressing however that the report of the committee should be submitted to all the organs of the party for inputs, discussions and decisions. The other forum chairmen loyal to Sheriff, expressed their firm support for the national chairmen.

The Forum, which has the FCT chairman of the party, Mr. Yinusa Suleman, as chairman said they will not be part of any arrangement for PDP members to form new party. They noted with concern that the crisis within the party is not healthy for the party more so when the 2019 general elections are around the corner.