Some elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including all former Presidents of the Senate, former governors, ministers, and others, have intervened to resolve the internal crisis in the party. Former Senate President David Mark is leading 27 other PDP elders to intervene in the crisis ravaging the leadership of the Party.
The party elders intend to have consultation meetings with PDP Governors, members of the Board of Trustees, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to deliberate on solutions to the leadership conflicts in the party.
The 28 PDP elders include 3 former Senate Presidents David Mark, Anyim Pius Anyim and Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu; former Deputy Speaker Austin Opara; former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana; former Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Ibrahim Danmkwambo of Gombe State, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osuin State; former PDP National Chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo; former National Chairman of PDP, Ahmed Makarfi; former Ministers Odion Ugbesa and Hajiya Zainab Maina, Senators Biodun Olujimi, Zainab Kure. Others include former Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Ogiadomhe; Senate Minority Leader Eyinnaya Abaribe; Sen. Helen Esuene; Sen. Agboola Hosea and Hajiya Adiza Adodo. The elders in a statement in Abuja appealed to all party organs, officers, and members to remain calm. They promised that the PDP will overcome its challenges and provide quality leadership for Nigerians. They further promised sound programs, effective implementation strategies, and hope of coming up with solutions to the country’s national problems.
The elders in the statement declared: “In view of recent developments at the National Secretariat of our great party, we have resolved to issue this press statement urging all party organs, party officers and party members to remain calm, faithful and orderly, as we proceed with urgent consultations and initiatives to resolve the contending issues.
“We wish to firmly reassure aggrieved stakeholders that we intend to be thorough, objective, creative, and balanced in our efforts to find lasting solutions to the fundamental matters arising.
“Towards this end, we have initiated moves to urgently meet with our Governors, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, and other critical stakeholders. Since we all share the legitimate desires of our loyal members to offer a credible, effective and productive alternative, we have no doubt that we shall soon find positive, appropriate, pragmatic, and lasting solutions to the problems facing the party.
“We shall emerge from this crisis stronger, better, and more united. This is only a temporary challenge.”
“We assure all Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party is resolute in providing qualitative leadership, sound programs, effective implementation strategies, and hope generating solutions to our national problems.
“On behalf of the elders and founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, we wish to use this medium to thank all Party Members and supporters across Nigeria and in diaspora for their commitment, loyalty and strong support.