PDP state chairmen back recognised leadership, reject rival faction

By Lateef Ibrahim

Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reaffirmed their support for the party’s recognized leadership, pledging to defend what they described as the PDP’s legal identity amid the ongoing leadership crisis.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the forum insisted that only the National Working Committee led by National Chairman Alhaji Abdulraham Mohammed and National Secretary Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has legal recognition, maintaining that no rival group can legitimately claim control of the party.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Chairman Hon. Austin Nwachukwu said the state chairmen were acting to preserve the integrity of the PDP and uphold the rule of law, a position also endorsed by the forum’s Secretary, Hon. Babandi Ibrahim Gumel.
The chairmen accused the faction led by Tanimu Turaki of attempting to undermine valid court decisions through public statements and media campaigns, describing the situation as one that extends beyond an internal party dispute.
They called on security agencies to investigate alleged cases of forgery and misrepresentation of court judgments, while urging the PDP National Working Committee to initiate contempt proceedings and other legal actions against individuals accused of impersonation, forgery and disobedience of court orders.
The forum also appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly dissociate himself from what it described as the unauthorized use of his name by the rival faction.
In addition, the chairmen asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to order a security review of a building in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, alleging that it was being used for activities capable of threatening public peace.
They commended the National Working Committee for conducting party primaries, overseeing the sale of nomination forms and submitting candidates’ details to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The forum concluded by urging PDP members nationwide to remain calm, united and committed to the party despite the ongoing leadership dispute.