PDP Youth Leaders Back Zoning Committee, Reject Wike’s Influence
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) youth leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have threw their weight behind the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to hold its National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo state and the Governor Douye Diri-led zoning committee, which held its meeting in Lagos last week.
This is coming on the heel of Nyesom Wike’s outburst when he threatened more crisis for the party if it fails to do the right thing and if it continues to reject the outcome of South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River state, even as he also stated that he’s not aware the party is holding its Convention.
He had in a television interview said: “They said that they are going for their convention in November. I am not part of it until they have correct it. Let us wait, there is still time for them to resolve it. Before you talk about convention, resolve the matter. If the matter is not resolved, there will be crisis.”
Also recalled that the South-South leaders loyal to Wike, led by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly, Hon Kingsley Chinda, had on Thursday met in Abuja and disowned the Duoye-led zoning meeting.
Addressing newsmen at the weekend in Abuja, the 36 states and FCT PDP youth leaders said they are solidly behind the leadership of the party concerning the convention and the zoning.
The Chairman of the PDP Youth Leaders Forum and Gombe state PDP Youth Chairman, Hon. Jamilu Ali kalshingi, who spoke on behalf of the Forum said they support the decision of the party, support the zoning committee and the convention’s dates.
He said: “As you can see from this gathering, PDP youths are of the believe that the party is ready to take over power from the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).
“Secondly, we will like to assure Nigerians that the youths of this country, especially this forum, we are ready to work with our leaders, especially our governors and the NWC, and commend them for their hard work and dedication to see that this party works for all Nigerians.
“We are solidly with the leaders of our party as it concerns the coming convention and zoning of party offices. we are with the officials of the party concerning the last NEC meeting that agreed on the convention.
“We, the youths are the foot soldiers of the party, we are with the decision of the party, we support the zoning committee, we support the convention dates, and we assure Nigerians that this convention will hold, and nobody and nothing will stop it from holding this convention.
“The FCT Minister is just a member of the party. I’m talking about the organs of the party. The NEC and the other organs of the party have spoken. The FCT Minister is a member of the party, like any other member of the party. The Governors Forum, the NWC, have taken a decision, and we the youth of the party are in support of the National Working Committee. I can tell you the organs of the party have spoken and nothing will change that decision.”
In their communique, the Youth Leaders called on members of the party who have left or contemplating to reconsider, adding that PDP remains a strong and viable opposition, capable of uniting and rescuing the country from its current challenges.
The communique signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Hon. kalshingi and its Secretary,
Comrade Boniface Brown, reads in part, “We appeal to our elder statesmen and patriotic Nigerians who have left or are contemplating leaving the party to reconsider their decisions.
“As the active machinery and dominant force among the electorate, we believe that the PDP remains a strong and viable opposition, capable of uniting and rescuing our beloved country from its current challenges, hardships, and undirected governance under the ruling party. We welcome all who share our vision for a better Nigeria, especially committed leaders founding fathers of our party, and we hope others will join us.
“It is crucial that Nigerian youths remain vigilant and not be misled by any factions or individuals, who claim to represent their interests. The PDP is built on ideology and a clear manifesto for a united Nigeria, where every youth is recognized and has a stake in the nation’s future.
“We urge Nigerian youths to remain patient as our party diligently works to rescue the nation from the grip of regional and ethnic politics perpetuated by the ruling party.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is genuinely committed to creating a future where all Nigerians can thrive, free from
divisive politics.
“We commend the party leadership in all states involved in recent elections, especially in Oyo State, under the exemplary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde. Their performance has demonstrated the resilience and organizational strength of our party.”
The Youth Leaders, have, however, commended the party NWC led by Amb. Umar Damagum, the Board of Trustees (BOT) led by Sen. Adolphus Wabara and the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed for their unwavering commitment, wisdom, and adept management of “our party during this
critical period have strengthened our unity and laid a solid foundation for our future endeavors.”
They also appreciated the role played by the reconciliation committee led by senator Bukola Saraki and former governor of Gombe state, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, “which we believe their integrity impacted the current stability the party is witnessing.”
•INDEPENDENTNG.