PDP Crisis: BoT reconciliation recommends caretaker c’ttee
Ahead of the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP slated for Saturday in Ibadan, the Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee has recommended an all inclusive Caretaker Committee to resolve the issues bedeviling the party. The reconciliation committee said the move has become necessary because a convention that will not be accepted by […]
Ahead of the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP slated for Saturday in Ibadan, the Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee has recommended an all inclusive Caretaker Committee to resolve the issues bedeviling the party.
The reconciliation committee said the move has become necessary because a convention that will not be accepted by all members, will incapacitate the tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally.
Since the National Convention was announced some members of the Party loyal to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisted that some issues including the conduct of congresses, be resolved.
The development has led to the Factionalisation of the party with Ambassador Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammed heading the two factions of the party.
While the Damagum group insisted on the convention, the Abdulrahman camp canceled the convention following the judgment of the Abuja Federal High Court.
Meanwhile a copy of the report of the reconciliation committee seen by Daily Trust recommended that going ahead with the convention must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC.
The committee said, “Considering the multiple court orders and judgements INEC is not likely going to monitor the Convention. Accordingly, an all inclusive Care Takers Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate the tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally.”
They also said that the suspension orders should be lifted and all parties brought together for genuine reconciliation, among others.
Meanwhile, addressing journalists on Friday on the development,
George Turna (PDP South-South Zonal leader) said many of them were in support of the reconciliation efforts and the recommendations of the BoT committee.
According to George Turna who is loyal to the Abdulrahman faction of the party, the committee’s recommendations were clear, adding that the party must return to constitutional order, reconcile, and then organise a credible convention that meets legal standards.
He said Justice Omotosho’s earlier judgment was already before the Court of Appeal.
“Once a matter is before the appellate court, all parties must maintain the status quo. You cannot proceed with a convention.”
“Furthermore, Justice Lifu’s judgment today stopping the convention on unlawful exclusion of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido strengthens this. If they proceed, they will be acting in open violation of the law.”