In the last few weeks, some stakeholders have called for the sack of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) over 2023 and some other issues. ABDULRAHMAN ZAKARIYAU writes on how some organs, especially the Board of Trustees (BoT) has continued to work for uninterrupted operation of all organs.
Secondus, NWC’s fight for survival
The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and other members of the National Working Committee may have been embattled over what the immediate future holds for them in the party due to some members’ insistence that they be sacked.
Though Secondus’ led NWC was elected in December 2017 to steer the sheep of the party till December 2021, but some party stakeholders are bent on booting Secondus’ led NWC out of office before the expiration of their tenure over alleged poor management of party affairs.
Notably, they want them out over the zoning and fight for party structure ahead of 2023 general elections. Other reasons are NWC’s inability to foster peace in the South West zone and other chapters, alongside alleged financial mismanagement.
Blueprint reports that the major fight in the party is between the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike/Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s camp against the camp of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar/immediate past Senate President, Chairman of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy committee, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Those who are close to the party revealed that a lot is going on within the PDP. Some stakeholders, especially, governors want Secondus and all other members of his NWC sacked and replaced with a caretaker committee. But others want them to remain in office till the end of their tenure in December 2021.
Our correspondent gathered that few stakeholders and some organs of the party, particularly the BoT, are doing everything within their reach to manage the situation and even allow this current NWC to serve out their term. They are of the view that everyone should maintain the status quo till December 2021 when the NWC will be dissolved.
BoT members declaration
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has maintained that it will work to ensure uninterrupted operation of all the organs of the party, particularly, the National Working Committee (NWC) which it vowed should remain till a successful convention in December 2021.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, on behalf of the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin, Secretary, Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara explained that the emergency meeting was particularly necessary at this time of heightened political and economic tension in the country, to ensure stability of all the organs of the party and to place them on alert and in sharp focus as they prepare to take over national political power.
Senator Walid Jibrin explained that “in this regard, the meeting recognized with appreciation the ongoing work of the Reconciliation and Strategy Committee led by Senator Bukola Saraki.
He added that “the meeting was briefed on the outcome of zonal congresses held penultimate weekend. Three out of the six congresses have been successfully concluded. The Board of Trustees in playing its statutory role as the conscience of the party, will work earnestly towards ensuring that the highest level of morality exists in all its activities and that all the members of our party live up to expectation.”
On the internal rancour within the party, Senator Jibrin said “the board is, therefore, fully committed not to allow any mischievous trends or strain to clog the working relationship between all members, particularly, at the top management level of the party.
He said: “With a determination to do all that is necessary to ensure that we fulfill the overwhelming desire of the vast majority of the people of Nigeria that the PDP regains national power in 2023, the board is unequivocally committed to ensuring that normalcy and peace prevails through all the organs of the party to permit the development and implementation of well structured plans.
“In this regard the Board of Trustees will ensure that a fluent and uninterrupted operation of all the organs of the party particularly the National Working Committee NWC remains in place leading up to a successful convention in December 2021.
“The Board of Trustees will also ensure that very harmonious relations exist between the organs of the party and in this regard a detailed meeting between the BoT and the National Working Committee NWC is being planned to be held soon.
PDP is not owned by any person – Wabara
Reacting to how some party stalwarts have been calling the shots and even plotting the sack of the Prince Uche Secondus led NWC, former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara said the party did not belong to one person, but it belonged to all.
Wabara said, “This party is not owned by any person so by the time we resolve all the issues in the party, we shall come up with a zoning formula. As you know, if you go through the constitution, you will realise that PDP is a party of zoning.
“But when it comes to political exigences, you will realise that anything can happen, that is why we can amend our constitution at will to win an election. I cannot place my finger on this zoning thing, I don’t have the authority, the relevant organs of the party will come up with its position when the time comes.
In his remarks, Chief Tom Ikimi also called for truce among organs within the party, adding that it is too early for PDP to be disturbed over 2023 zoning.
Ikimi continued, “It is still too early for the PDP at this point in time to declare its position. You know very well that APC has done five years now, politics as far as Nigeria is concerned is APC and PDP. PDP has to very careful in dealing with this issue, we will take it step by step. I believe that your concerns and concerns of the entire Nigerians will be taken into consideration when the decision will be made.”
