The 2023 PDP House of Assembly Candidates Forum’s leadership urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP to work transparently and in compliance with the party's constitution.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members under the umbrella of the House of Assembly PDP Candidates Forum, have condemned the rift between the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
The Forum in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Chairman, Salahudeen Lukman and other leaders, also asked the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Ilya Damagun, to step down from his position.
The 2023 PDP House of Assembly Candidates Forum’s leadership urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP to work transparently and in compliance with the party's constitution.
They stressed that the acting Chairman "should step down graciously and honourably, and allow capable individuals to take over leadership duties as substantial national chairman is direly needed now for the party to have direction."
They further demanded “an immediate end to the arrogant 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.
"This includes putting a halt to the irresponsible and indifferent behaviour of H.E. Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and H.E. Nyesom Wike's representatives in our party across board.”
The statement titled "PDP Leadership Challenge: Taking Charge of our Future" read, “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 earlier communication dated Monday 8th April, 2024.
“Despite our patient waiting, it is disappointing that the NWC has taken no substantial action. As a result, in accordance with 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 terribly regrettable that these same individuals 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 pay masters.
“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 honourably, allowing capable individuals to take over leadership duties as substantial national chairman is Dare needed now for the party to have direction .
“Furthermore, we demand an immediate end to the arrogant 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.
“This includes putting a halt to the irresponsible and indifferent behaviour of H.E. Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and H.E. Nyesom Wike's representatives in our party across board.”
The Forum said that “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 recognise and applaud the effort of National leadership under the Acting National Chairmanship Amb Ilya Damagun, your efforts to save the party from transactional politicians is appreciated nonetheless, it's time to advance the approach by stepping down for substantial National Chairman to continue.
“To the sixty National Assembly members who are considering desertion while holding party tickets, two wrongs don't make a right and we can not correct wrong doing with another wrong doings.
“In fact, an adage established that cutting off a head is never a solution to a simple headache. we urge you to reconsider your decision.
“Your constituents and the party both need a candid explanation for any decisions made, hence, we must collectively address the challenges with no one leaving the party because of just one individual factor, be rest assured that we are committed to diligently seek remedy to awake responsibility from all rank and file within the party hierarchy."