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.
The Forum also urged the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Amb Ilya Damagun, to step down to pave way for 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 birni 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 sanction 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 crisis in the party, have benefited greatly from the party’s agenda in their political careers.
The forum, however, 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 wrong doing with another wrongdoings”.
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 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 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.
“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.
“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.
“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 penalise any instances of anti-party behaviour 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.
