As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to navigate internal challenges ahead of future elections, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has stressed the need for the party to unite and resolve ongoing discrepancies in state congresses.
Speaking on Thursday during the 78th BoT meeting at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, he insisted that the meeting a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) should hold October 24, 2024, to address the pressing issues within the party and strategize for the future.
“This will allow us to address pressing matters and strategize on the way forward for the PDP, especially as we gear up for future elections and prepare to strengthen our internal structures,” he said.
The BoT Chairman expressed concern over reports of irregularities during recent state congresses, where some were allegedly not conducted according to party guidelines, or did not take place as scheduled.
“These discrepancies are of serious concern and it is essential that we address them immediately,” Wabara stated.
He called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to swiftly rectify these issues and ensure that party members across the country have a fair and transparent opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Wabara emphasized that any deviations from PDP guidelines must be corrected, and where congresses failed to hold, new dates should be set.
The BoT Chairman also highlighted the importance of internal unity and diplomacy within the PDP, noting that a “house divided cannot stand.”
He praised the reconciliation committee for its efforts in resolving disputes but cautioned that significant challenges lie ahead.
“We must recognize that the task ahead is significant,” he said, offering the BoT’s full support to the committee as it continues to promote peace and unity within the party.
Wabara referenced remarks made by Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who had previously emphasized the importance of adhering to the constitution and the rule of law in resolving party disputes.
Wabara urged party members to heed this advice and cooperate fully with the reconciliation and disciplinary committees to avoid encouraging the ruling party’s dominance and a potential slide toward a one-party state.
During the meeting, Wabara also revealed that recent engagements with key PDP figures, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and other leaders, had addressed concerns about the party’s unity.
He assured that the details of these discussions would be shared during an upcoming executive session.
He reminded party leaders that the future of the PDP, and by extension Nigeria’s democracy, relies on their collective efforts to uphold unity, integrity, and hard work.
In a communique released at the end of the meeting, the BoT said it assessed the state of the nation and condemned what it termed as the “brazen rigging” of the recent Edo State governorship election.
The board also expressed concern at the worsening economic situation in the country, which it said, is caused by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The communique reads: “The BoT commends all the Organs of the Party for their collective steadfastness and commitment towards the unity, stability and sustenance of our great Party in spite of the dauting challenges.
“The BoT expresses serious concerns over the worsening economic hardship, acute food crisis and general sense of misery, despondency, uncertainty and hopelessness in the country occasioned by the anti-people policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration
“The BoT demands that the APC administration immediately review its policies and take immediate steps to ensure the reduction in the price of fuel, make key investments towards food production, revamp our manufacturing sector to stimulate employment opportunities and mitigate the suffering of Nigerians.
“The BoT in very strong terms condemns and rejects the brazen rigging of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State by the APC in connivance with INEC and some compromised Police operatives.
“The BoT insists that from the votes cast at the polling Units, it is clear that the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo won the election. The PDP will take every legitimate step to ensure the recovery of the mandate freely given to our Party by the people of Edo State.
“The BoT alerts Nigerians that the electoral manipulation of the Edo State governorship election is part of the sinister plot by the APC to foist a One-Party system and totalitarian rule on our country which must be firmly resisted.
“The BoT urges Nigerians to resist any plan by the APC to rig the November 16, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State. The PDP is in good position to win the election and we must not allow any body to manipulate the election against our Party.
“The BoT commends the Reconciliation Committee for the efforts so far in resolving disputes within the Party. The BoT urges the Committee to remain focused on the task of fostering peace and unity in the Party.
“The BoT cautions against resort to avoidable litigations and urges Party members to always explore the Party’s internal mechanisms on issues.
“The BoT notes the commencement of activities by the Disciplinary Committee and charges the Committee to continue to be guided by the Principles of Constitutionality and the Rule of Law in the discharge of its assignment.
“The BoT expresses concern over the state of affairs of the Party in Rivers State and urges that efforts must be intensified to find lasting solution to the issues. The NWC should urgently summon a meeting comprising of the NWC, PDP Governors’ Forum, Leadership of PDP National Assembly Caucus and BoT Special Committee to resolve the issues.
“The BoT has received the report of the Conduct of Congresses in various States of the federation and urge that all areas of concerns should be addressed.
“The BoT charges all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the PDP across board to remain united and committed especially recognizing that the PDP is the only beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians. The PDP must therefore remain strong, united and true to the principles upon which it was founded.
“The BoT highlighted on the convening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as already scheduled for October 24, 2024 to allow the Party address pressing matters and strategize on the way forward
“The BoT urges Nigerians not to allow the suffering they are facing under the APC make them lose faith in the country, but continue to work with the PDP in the quest to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the APC.
“As the Conscience of the Party, the BoT again assures of its continued commitment towards providing credible leadership direction for the party at all times.”
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