PDP National Leadership Structure: Nasarawa stakeholders appeal for inclusion

From Daniel Abel, Lafia

As the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) set to hold its convention to elect new leadership to pilot the affairs of the party, concerned stakeholders from Nasarawa state have appealed to the National Working Committee to consider Nasarawa in the distribution of political positions.

Engr. (Dr). Kefas D. Kaura. PDP StakeHolder from Karu LG made this position known in a press statement made available to the o newsmen in Lafia, the state capital on Sunday.

The statement reads, “Since the return of Democracy in 1999, the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) has remained resolute in promoting the principle of internal democracy and equity despite all odds.

“This unwavering commitment to the ideals of political party structure made the PDP stand out amongst other Parties not only in Nigeria but in the African continent .
“The leadership structure of the PDP at the national and sub- national levels over these years reflects the wisdom and dreams of the founding fathers of the Party.

“As the party takes bold steps to reposition, reform and perform its role as the leading opposition and biggest party in Africa, the world would be interested in the party’s preparation for the future of politics in Nigeria which cannot be said to be complete without the veritable contributions of the PDP.”

The stakeholders noted that how its officials would emerge from existing vacancies and the next historic and state chapter congresses and national convention coming up later in the year is strategic.

“How this process is handled will sign-post the future of PDP and its politics at all levels. At this point, it is pertinent to again note that Nasarawa State deserve strategic accommodation in what would become the present or future outlook of the party.

The concerned group noted that the inclusion of Nasarawa in the official position will enable supporters believe in their consistent choice of relationship with the PDP despite the saddening activities of outsider influence on the outcome of elections in Nasarawa State.

“Let it be on record at this moment the Nasarawa State Chapter of the party made a historic sacrifice when it’s leadership and leader Senator Walid Jibrin opted out by taking Nasarawa State along to relinquish the only non- executive but highest advisory position of the Chairman BoT because of Sen Iyochiya Ayu nomination as national chairman from her neibhour Benue.

“In view of this established fact that the Party has existed for over 24 years with states such as Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara others in the North central geo political zone occupying the seat of National Chairman of the PDP at different epochs except Nasarawa.

The group however said that the gesture to include Nasarawa in the upcoming convention would no doubt give the zone a sense of togetherness, unity, and presence.

‘We in Nasarawa State are not only feeling abandoned despite the sacrifice of our leader, Walid Jibrin. Supporting Nasarawa is a legitimate, expedient, and record-setting outlook.

“In conclusion, we call on the National Executive Committee of our great Party to take a critical appraisal of the leadership structure in order to maintain its disposition of amicable resolutions of issues within the party.