The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s House of Assembly candidates have appealed to the 60 House of Representatives members who had recently threatened to dump the party in the face of its ongoing internal crisis to rather explore ways of resolving the issues causing grievances.
The assembly candidates, operating under the aegis of 2023 PDP House of Assembly Candidates Forum, reacting in a statement to the leadership crisis, called on members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC to refrain from using their positions for personal gains.
In the statement tagged: ‘PDP Leadership Challenge: Taking Charge Of Our Future’, they hinted of their displeasure to the party’s leadership crisis, expressing regret that the development has been made worse by NWC lack of positive response to their earlier communication last Monday.
Even as the group applauded the leadership quality of the party’s acting national chairman, Amb. Ilya Damagun, it nonetheless said it was time for him to advance the approach by stepping down for substantial national chairman to continue.
The statement released on Thursday was jointly signed by the group’s national chairman, Hon. Salaudeen Lukman from Kwara State; national secretary, Hon. Muhammad Gidado Musa, from Kebbi State; vice chairman (North), Hon. Mahee Umar Gatawa from Sokoto State as well as the national publicity secretary, Hon. Abraham Olusegun Adeleye, from Ekiti State.
It read in part:” The House of Assembly Candidates in the 2023 election express significant worry about the party’s ongoing leadership issue, which is aggravated by the National Working Committee’s (NWC) lack of positive response to our earlier communication dated Monday 8th April, 2024.
“Despite our patient waiting, it is disappointing that the NWC has taken no substantial action. As a result, in accordance with the resolutions reached during our meeting on April 9, 2024, we believe it is necessary to take additional steps.
“It is incumbent on us to remind the public that those members of the party who are currently causing conflict have benefited greatly from the party’s agenda in their political careers. From humble beginnings as councillors to positions as chairmen, governors, members of the National Assembly, and even national officers, they have had the party’s support. It is terribly regrettable that these same individuals are now contributing to the perpetuation of the leadership crisis, which is threatening to sink the party’s ship in the attempt to satisfy their pay masters.
“The forum categorically condemns any acts of disloyalty and anti-party activity, particularly in Rivers, Lagos, Ekiti, Enugu, Oyo, Benue Kebbi and elsewhere. Any relationship with political opponents at the state or national level that undermines the party’s unity and integrity is unacceptable and must be sanctioned.
“It is critical that the members of NWC refrain from using their positions for personal advantage at the detriment of the party and its membership. Such actions will be faced with strong opposition going forward.
“We recognise and applaud the effort of National leadership under the Acting National Chairmanship Amb Ilya Damagun, your efforts to save the party from transactional politicians is appreciated nonetheless, it’s time to advance the approach by stepping down for substantial National Chairman to continue.
“To the sixty National Assembly members who are considering desertion while holding party tickets, two wrong can’t make a right and we cannot correct wrongdoing with another wrongdoing. In fact, an adage established cutting off a head is never a solution to a simple headache. we urge you to reconsider your decision. Your constituents and the party both need a candid explanation for any decisions made, hence, we must collectively address the challenges with no one leaving the party because of just one individual factor, be rest assured that we are committed to diligently seek remedy to awake responsibility from all rank and file with the party hierarchy.
“Rest assured that we are committed to creating a collaborative effort with the party leadership to ensure that House of Assembly candidates have access to essential duties outlined in the party constitution. We are resolved to further cement our party by empowering those who are strongly anchored in grassroots areas. This collaborative strategy attempts to promote unity and progress at both the national, state and local levels of the party administration.
“We urge the leadership to penalise any instances of anti-party behaviour as soon as possible, especially when they are committed by members of our ranks who have a responsibility to demonstrate leadership qualities, by applying punishments quickly and forcefully, The Party will be exhibiting its commitment to deterring future acts of party indiscipline, preserving our party’s repute and cohesiveness,” the statement read in part.