Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party have appealed to aggrieved members of the party to sheath their swords and accept its newly elected National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff.
Their plea followed the nationwide condemnation that has trailed Sheriff’s appointment by the members of the party’s National Executive Committee at their meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
For example, ministers who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan have threatened to leave the party because of his emergence.
They said they were not bound to remain in the former ruling party, adding that Sheriff must be relieved of his appointment in not more than a week.
Also, a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-kayode, has called for payers to salvage the party.
Majority of the members of the Board of Trustees of the party had walked out of the meeting where his candidature was approved.
The former governor was accused of having a close link with the members of the Boko Haram sect, an allegation he has denied on many occasion.
But the governors said the choice of Sheriff was in the best interest of the PDP, stressing that he would complete the tenure of the North-East as specified by the party’s constitution and organise a national convention for the election of substantive officers.
In a statement by the coordinator of the Forum, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu, the governors argued that while it was normal for dissent in a large and national party like the PDP, members should not lose sight of the bigger picture, which is to re-strategise ahead of 2019 and other coming elections in Edo and Ondo States in 2016.
The statement said, “It has come to our notice that some members of our great party have expressed their reservations on the emergence of the new National Chairman, Modu Sheriff.
“As is expected, not everybody can be on the same page in such matters even though of the same party. We wish to appeal to our members to keep the bigger picture in mind, which is to reposition ahead of 2019 with individuals that have the track record in power play.
“It is in this regard that our esteemed members should think carefully before joining the crowd of those baying ‘death to the PDP.’
“As a national party, it is important that every matter is looked at from all sides and not just the negative narrative of the opposition party.
“None of our leaders have been arraigned for terrorism related charges unlike some leaders of the ruling party; it is this we should take clear cognisance of.”
He added that there was no way the international community will not, at least, have an idea of those who he said aided and funded Boko Haram.
“For our party to make the expected headway, we must remain united, discuss our disagreements as a family and refrain from joining those whose desire is to see that the party’s resurgence never happens,” he added.
Meanwhile, the party has said Sheriff is the party’s substantive chairman and not acting, as being referred to in some newspapers (The PUNCH not inclusive).
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, said that the newly appointed national chairman would serve out the tenure of a former National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu who resigned in May.
