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Blames media for causing confusion within party
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Distances self from alliance with APM
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Accuses Makinde of deception
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Instead of abating, the crisis within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has continued to assume complicated dimension on daily basis.
On Thursday, the party revealed that it has petitioned security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), regarding what it called “impersonation” by some persons involved in the formation of an interim National Working Committee (INWC).
The National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, made the revelation while answering questions from journalists during a press conference at the PDP national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The press conference was originally addressed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed.
Senator Anyanwu listed those who have already been invited by the security agencies, as a result of the partition, to include former Senate President and erstwhile Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, as well as others linked to the meeting held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where the said interim NWC was announced.
In his words, “We have written to the security agencies, the Police and the DSS on the issue of impersonation, and they have already invited Adolphus Wabara, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and others who impersonated at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, where the so-called interim NWC was formed.
“So the matter is before the security agencies in Nigeria and after that, we hope that they will be prosecuted,” Anyanwu said.
The PDP National Secretary similarly dismissed claims of confusion surrounding the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent Supreme Court judgment relating to the party’s leadership tussle, insisting that the apex court’s decision was clear and already in its possession.
His words, “The CTC is out officially from the Supreme Court. We have copies. We can send to you as media people.
“And I want to say this to the media. May I use the opportunity of this press conference by NPS to say, you are the people causing the confusion.
“And you know the truth. You should try and stand by the truth. “There is only one PDP today. INEC has been here, has verified the current NWC.
“Today we are here having our press conference. Where are they? Where are they coming from? Where are they situated? Where is their address? It’s a simple question.
“Please try as much as possible to correct this depression. Especially you, the PDP press corps, who know exactly the truth. So we will make the CTC available for the Supreme Court for you to read.
“I’m sure every media has a legal department. You give it to a legal department. So you don’t go and misquote and that will be a contemp of court”, he said.
Anyanwu maintained that there was only one recognised PDP leadership, stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already verified the current NWC.
Earlier, the party, in a press statement signed and read by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, distanced itself from a purported alliance or coalition involving the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and a gathering held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The PDP described the event as a political gathering orchestrated by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his associates, alleging that it was an attempt to create a false impression of political relevance and support.
The statement reads, “Let us state clearly and unequivocally that the PDP is not part of any alliance, coalition, agreement or political arrangement with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) or any other political party regarding this gathering or any related political activity.
“Any person or group claiming to be acting on behalf of the PDP in connection with this event is doing so without the knowledge, approval, consent or authority of the party.”
The party berated the the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde,
accusing him of engaging in political deception and sponsoring propaganda aimed at distorting the Supreme Court judgment to create confusion within the party.
“It is obvious that ego and pride have made it difficult for him (Makinde) to accept the reality of his growing political isolation and failed calculations,” the statement added.
The PDP maintained that the large turnout of aspirants at Wadata Plaza headquarters of the party to obtain and submit nomination forms for the 2027 elections was proof of confidence in the leadership of acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammad, and Senator Anyanwu.
