Forum Of House of Assembly Candidates Unveils People Trying To Sink PDP
The Forum of House of Assembly candidates under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections has accused loyalists of the former Presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of FCT, of trying to sink the ship of the party that made them. According to the Nigerian Tribune, the forum also called on the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Ambassador Ilya Damagun, to step. down to pave the way for the emergence of a substantive National Chairman of the party. The Forum made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and jointly signed by Hon. Salahudeen Lukman, Ojomu Balogun (Offa 1), Kwara State, National Chairman, Hon. Mahee Umar Gatawa, Sabon bimi South constituency, Sokoto State, Vice Chairman North; Hon. Muhammad Gidado Musa, Kalgo Constituency, Kebbi State, National Secretary and Abraham Olusegun Adeleye, Ekiti West Constituency II, National Publicity Secretary.
It also called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to henceforth be decisive in applying sanctions to those found to have exhibited disloyalty and engaging in anti-party activity. The group strongly condemned acts of disloyalty and anti-party activity being exhibited by loyalists of Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike and
called for their sanction.
They regretted that all those causing conflict and perpetuating leadership crises in the party have benefited greatly from the party’s agenda in their political careers. However, the forum urged the 60 National Assembly members who are considering desertion while holding party tickets, to reconsider their decision, saying “Two wrongs can’t make a right and we can not correct wrongdoing with another wrongdoing
The statement by the Forum entitled: “PDP Leadership Challenge: Taking Charge of Our Future, read in part: “We are writing to tell the party leadership, party faithful, and the wider public of our clear position and decision, which are outlined below: “The House of Assembly Candidates in the 2023 election express significant worry about the party’s ongoing leadership issue, which is aggravated by the National Working Committee’s (NWC) lack of positive response to our earlierco mmunication dated Monday 8th April 2024.
“Despite our patient waiting, it is
disappointing that the NWC has taken
no substantial action. As a result, by
the resolutions reached during our
meeting on April 9, 2024, we believe it
is necessary to take additional steps.
“It is incumbent on us to remind the public that those members of the party who are currently causing conflict have benefited greatly from the party’s agenda in their political careers.
“From humble beginnings as councilors to positions as chairmen, Governors, members of the National Assembly, and even national officers, they have had the party’s support.
“It is regrettable that these samen idividuals are now contributing to the
perpetuation of the leadership crisis,
which is threatening to sink the party’s
ship in the attempt to satisfy their
paymasters.
“The forum categorically condemns any acts of disloyalty and anti-party activity, particularly in Rivers, Lagos, Ekiti, Enugu, Oyo, Benue Kebbi and elsewhere. Any relationship with political opponents at the state or national level that undermines the party’s unity and integrity is unacceptable and must be sanctioned.
“Furthermore, the practice of individuals joining the party during elections just to desert ship in the case of defeat is considered unacceptable and must be
discontinued immediately.
“We urge the NWC to work transparently and in compliance with the party’s constitution. The Acting chairman is encouraged to step down graciously and honorably, allowing capable individuals to take over leadership duties as a substantial
national chairman is dare needed now for the party to have direction. “Furthermore, we demand an Immediate end to the arrogance and selfishness displayed by those who have blatantly ignored the fact that thousands of untapped destinies are inextricably linked to the fate of our party. READ ALSO: Buhari’s Ex-Minister, Ogbonnaya Onu Is Dead “This includes putting a halt to the irresponsible and indifferent behavior of H.E. Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and H.E. Nyesom Wike’s representatives in our party across the board. “It is critical that the members of NWC refrain from using their positions for personal advantage at the detriment of the party and its membership. Such actions will be faced with strong opposition going forward.
“We recognize and applaud the effort
of National leadership under the
Acting National Chairmanship
Ambassador Ilya Damagun, your
efforts to save the party from
transactional politicians are
appreciated nonetheless, it’s time to
advance the approach by stepping
down for substantial National
Chairman to continue.
“Rest assured that we are committed.
to creating a collaborative effort with
the party leadership to ensure that
House of Assembly candidates have
access to essential duties outlined in
the party constitution.
“We are resolved to further cement our
party by empowering those who are
strongly anchored in grassroots areas.
This collaborative strategy attempts
to promote unity and progress at both
the national, state, and local levels of
the party administration.
“We urge the Leadership to penalize
any instances of anti-party behavior
as soon as possible, especially when
they are committed by members of
our ranks who have a responsibility to
demonstrate leadership qualities, by
applying punishments quickly and
forcefully, the Party will be exhibiting
its commitment to deterring future
acts of party indiscipline, preserving
our party’s repute and cohesiveness,”
it stated.