•Disowns alleged Turaki-led PDP/APM alliance in Ibadan
By Jude Opara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the alliance between the Tanimu Turaki -led Interim National Working Committee (INWC) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) taking place in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Meanwhile, the PDP under the leadership of Abdurahman Mohammed, has written to the security agencies, especially the Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) to immediately arrest and prosecute, former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara and Tanimu Turaki for alleged impersonation.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, distanced the PDP from any kind of alliance, coalition, agreement, or political arrangement with the APM or any other political party.
Mohammed said: “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.
“What is being presented to Nigerians as a political alliance is nothing more than another desperate attempt by Governor Seyi Makinde and his associates to mislead the public and manufacture a false impression of political relevance and support.”
The statement further warned Governor Makinde to stop deluding himself, adding that he should shun pride and accept reality.
“Governor Makinde must stop attempting to camouflage his political intentions through false claims of alliances and consultations. It is obvious that ego and pride have made it difficult for him to accept the reality of his growing political isolation and failed calculations.
“Just like Governor Bala Mohammed who earlier moved to the APM, Nigerians can now clearly see that today’s gathering in Ibadan is simply a public celebration of Governor Makinde’s movement to the APM and nothing more.
“His attempts to destroy the PDP have finally been exposed and his agenda has fallen flat.
“It is unfortunate that in recent times Governor Makinde and others have continued to sponsor media attacks and propaganda aimed at deliberately distorting and misrepresenting the Supreme Court judgment in order to create confusion within the party and among Nigerians.”
The PDP further reiterated that it has nothing to do with the Ibadan gathering and has not authorized any of its members to be part of any alliance.
“Again, for the avoidance of doubt, we wish to reiterate that the PDP has absolutely nothing to do with the gathering in Ibadan. On the contrary, the PDP is today conducting its screening exercise for gubernatorial and presidential aspirants at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, the annex office of our national headquarters, this is coming after yesterday’s successful completion of the States and National Assembly Screening exercise across the country,” the party said.
Similarly, the National Secretary of the party, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, who was equally part of the briefing said, “we have written to the security agencies, the police, and the DSS on the issue of impersonation, and they have already invited Wabara, Turaki, and others who impersonate themselves at the Shehu Yar’adua Center, 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 added; “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 impressions”.
