4th May, 2016
A group, Peoples Democratic Party Concerned Leaders on Wednesday said zoning of the party’s national chairmanship position to the North-East was inconsistent with the original principles of the party.
This is contained in a statement signed and released in Abuja by Chairman of the group and former governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu.
The leaders, according to the statement, made the observation after its meeting held to examine the current developments in the party.
It stated that the group reviewed developments in PDP with special reference to ongoing congresses, which would culminate in the forthcoming national convention of the party.
“We observed that the procedure and conduct of the congresses nationwide were flawed with resultant disaffection and disagreements.
“We also observed that the current zoning formula for the position of National Chairman as adopted by only one-third of National Executive Committee (NEC) is inconsistent with the original PDP principles,” the statement said.
The group, therefore, called on the party national leadership to postpone the convention and address the issues it had raised.
“In consonance therefore, the group unanimously resolved and call for the postponement of the national convention.
“We also appeal to the leadership of the party to revisit these fundamental issues to enable the party to organize and conduct a more cohesive and acceptable national convention.”
It stated that the call was necessary to avert the situation whereby aggrieved members may be compelled to organize parallel congresses and convention.
Members of the group, the statement said, were Dr Bala Mohammed, Mrs Zainab Maina, John Odey, Sulaiman Abubakar, Capt. Hassan Mohammed (retd), Saidu Idris, Dr Bolere Ketebu and Mr Kaulaha Aliyu.