Under pressure National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu Sheriff said in Abuja on Monday he will not stay in office beyond the constitutionally provided time for his exit.
He spoke at the party's national headquarters on the same day the Chairman of Benue state chapter of PDP, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, said that the recent killings of Agatu people could have been politically motivated.
Sheriff, a former governor of Borno State, is under pressure by some influential members of the party who have been asking to resign.
The members, who include former ministers of the party since 1999, said he was not suited for the office.
Speaking when he received a forum of former PDP members in the House of Representatives, said there would not be any imposition in the party during his short tenure.
He said that the National Working Committee would soon release programs for the national convention.
Sheriff said, "I, Ali Modu Sheriff, a man of character and integrity, one who would live up to expectation and his promises, hereby announce to the world that under no circumstances would I stay in office beyond the period prescribed by the Constitution of our party, the PDP.
"In the light of the above, therefore, I will announce the Convention Congress Planning Committee after due consultation with all organs of the party within few days from today and I assure all faithful members of the party that I would do everything within my powers to ensure that I complete the processes of congress before the expiration of my time in office.”
He pledged to do his best within the period left and as humanly possible to complete the convention and hand over to an elected chairman, adding that by the time the congress ends, everybody will be happy.
“PDP will not be run by impunity, the party will be returned its owners," he declared.
Agbo, who led the Benue State chairman of PDP on a courtesy visit to the national chairman of the party, alleged that the recent attacks on Agatu people was “punishment for their resolve to vote overwhelmingly" for former Senate President, David Mark at the last election.”
He noted that there have also been massive attacks on several communities in Agatu Local Government Area of the state that have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and property worth billions of Naira.
"We are informed that during these attacks, which have been ongoing for the past three days, a helicopter flew over the area providing supplies to the attackers. We are surprised that such high-level support was available to people who attack and kill members of these communities in such a brazen manner."