Amidst gales of defections threatening it’s existence, the Governors elected on the platform the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gas dismissed fears that the opposition party is fizzling out.
This is as the Governors stated that they are not disturbed by the recent gale of defections that swept away some of its notable members into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to them, rather than diminishing and weakening the party, the development has forced it to come together stronger.
Recall that the main opposition party has suffered massive defections in Delta State of late. The entire State party structure, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the party’s former Vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa left for the APC.
Also to have left the party are Federal and State lawmakers elected under the party platform from Edo, Kastina and Kebbi states. They all jumped ship over the lingering internal conflicts rocking the party after the last general elections.
But arising from a crucial stakeholders meeting on Sunday night, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Muhammed gave assurance that the party is not disturbed by defections.
The meeting which was convened at the instance of the Forum in Abuja was used to forge ahead and to consolidate the party’s position in the States under its control in future elections.
Going forward, the party set up a seven-man Reconciliation Committee led by Senator Bukola Saraki. The Committee is charged to conduct a rancour-free National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting that lasted over three hours, Mohammed pointed out that defection is a normal manifestation in a democratic set-up.
“This is some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have. And this is what is forcing us to come together. Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger.
And we will make sure that at least, those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.
“They will be able to produce next Governors of the PDP by the grace of God. Because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up,” the Bauchi Governor said.
Throwing light on the agenda of the meeting, Mohammed said: “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party. Some existential issues. Of course, that have been around in the media, within us. So, that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC that is scheduled to take place on the 27th of this month. And by August, we will have an early convention.
“So many issues and reports have been made. And it is an opportunity to close ranks, and to make sure that at least there is no ill feelings. There are no qualms, there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party,” he said.
Mohammed further added that the meeting was to reassure the party’s teaming supporters that the “PDP is working, the PDP is united.”
While acknowledging that there are some missing gaps in the party, the Bauchi Governor said, “We set up a committee of seven. It is headed by His Excellency, the former Senate President, and of course former Governor of Kwara State. They are to make sure that at least quick reconciliation and reach out will be made. And in such a manner that we will have a very rancour free and harmonious NEC and convention.”
He pointed out that other members of the Committee included Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Caleb Muftwang (Plateau) and Peter Mba (Enugu). Also included are Senators Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo and former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Among those that attended the meeting included: Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Peter Mbah (Enugu); Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).
The Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum led two other members of the party’s NWC, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN and National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature at the meeting.