The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has restated commitment to its November 15 and 16 national convention, stressing that it would not leave any stone unturned.
This was as the party’s governors reiterated their dedication to transparency and internal democracy, pledging to sustain the PDP’s unity, strength, and relevance of Nigeria’s foremost political party.
Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee Protocol Sub-Committee, NCOC and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Monday, reaffirmed the party leaders’ commitment to conducting the convention as planned.
DAILY POST recalls that after months of internal crisis, the PDP, at its 101st National Executive Committee meeting on July 24, resolved to restructure and reposition the party by convening a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, where 19 new members of the National Working Committee are expected to be elected.
But, the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee over issues relating to the South-South zonal structure, leadership in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the convention micro-zoning formula.
The group has cautioned that the convention may not hold as planned if the party fails to review its position.
Governor Fintiri affirmed their total commitment to ensuring success, stressing that every effort and sacrifice is being made to guarantee a smooth and victorious convention.
“And to reassure you that on our side, we are fully committed and will not leave any stone unturned. We are putting in our best and making sacrifices for us to have a successful convention and battle.
“The Protocol Sub-Committee Chairman, Gov Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state said he will be there (Ibadan) one week; I may be there three weeks, because to me, apart from Islam, PDP is next to any association that I believe has given me everything that I have achieved in life. So I will forever remain grateful to this party.
“And like he said, not under our leadership, not during our time, will we let this party down. People, as you can see and hear from their comments, are determined.
“And I assure you, with the kind of calibre of men and women that we are going to produce as our leaders to handle this party in the NWC after the convention, they are also going to be men and women of worth. When we parade them, the country will know that yes, the PDP is still alive.
“We are going to deny anybody from going into the election. I am also going to ensure that we sit even in the screening committee to see that they don’t do any hanky-panky.
“Everybody who has purchased forms for screening, once he does not have any encumbrances in their documents or in their past lifestyle, will be screened.
“Go and test your popularity in the field. Go and test your popularity because we are already finalising the names of the delegates,” he said.