Saraki, Plateau gov, N’Central bigwigs demand PDP chairman’s slot

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, alongside other Peoples Democratic Party leaders from the North Central, have called for the return of the party’s National Chairmanship to their zone to complete its tenure.

This appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, with a communiqué issued afterward.

The PDP has faced internal divisions, exacerbated both before and after the 2023 general elections.

The party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has been criticised for not addressing the lingering crises, which have further weakened the PDP’s influence. Damagum assumed the position after former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu was ousted by the court for failing to enact necessary reforms.

The communiqué stated, “The stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party reviewed the state of the party with particular reference to the vacant position of National Chairman of the party following the exit of Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

“The PDP constitution clearly states that for succession of offices in the party at all levels, any vacant position can be replaced by appointment from the zone as per Section 47 (6) of the party’s constitution.

“The leadership of the party needs to rise to the occasion to restore goodwill and cohesion by making necessary sacrifices and compromises. It is in light of this that the stakeholders of the North Central Zone appeal to the conscience and goodwill of our compatriots in other zones to restore the Chairmanship seat to the North Central Zone to serve out its tenure.”

The PDP North Central leaders emphasised unity and peace as vital for the party’s future, urging stakeholders to build consensus.

“North Central is united and will strive to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria,” the communiqué concluded.

The meeting was attended by prominent PDP figures, including Governor Caleb Muftwang, former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, former governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Idris Wada (Kogi), as well as the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), among others.