More Troubles for PDP as Party Leaders Ask National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff to Resign

Posted by Odinaka on Mon 22nd Feb, 2016 - tori.ng

A group of concerned Peoples Democratic Party, stakeholders and elders have called on the new National Chairman of the party, Ali Modu-Sheriff, to resign.

During a news conference on Sunday in Abuja, group of concerned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stakeholders and elders called on the new National Chairman of the party, Ali Modu-Sheriff, to resign.

The group, under the aegis of PDP Rescue Group led by Wilberforce Juta, who also contested for PDP chairmanship, said that the party leaders were upset about Mr. Modu-Sheriff’s appointment as PDP national chairman.

He said, "Most PDP members did not see in Sheriff a model of impeccable integrity that the party badly needed to lead it at this critical moment. We are upset by the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in appointing Ali Modu-Sheriff as national chairman.

"We are convinced that this decision is against the will and wish of the generality of members. We know for a fact the North-East Zonal wing, having been directed by the National Caucus of the party to forward nominees from the zone, did not nominate Modu-Sheriff for the position of national chairman.

"Consequently, Modu-Sheriff should do the needful by stepping down honourably as it is evident that party members nationwide have overwhelmingly rejected him."

He said that the current leadership crisis in PDP was a challenge to every Nigerian. He emphasised that "having the PDP destroyed by acts of error of judgment as being witnessed now is denying Nigeria of a strong opposition party that is badly needed if Nigeria’s democracy is to be strengthened and all tendencies toward civilian dictatorship checked.

"The crisis must challenge all party members to action to halt the party from further drift. The plan of PDP Rescue Group is to mobilise party members and leaders to help attain this noble goal.

"It is, therefore, critical if the PDP must come back to national reckoning, that we remodel its leadership on the platform of honesty as required by the party manifesto."

He then urged all party organs to rise to the challenge by insisting on the removal of Mr. Modu-Sheriff. He also urged the different organs, as well as past and present leaders to commence the search for persons with high integrity, strategic insight and fear of God Almighty to lead the party.

"It is our considered view that we endeavour to elect only those with discernible traits," he said.

While answering questions, former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, who is the Deputy Chairman of the group, said Mr. Modu-Sheriff’s appointment was imposed on the party.

A former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and Secretary of the group, Mukhtari Shagari, also called on Mr. Modu-Sheriff to resign, adding that leaders of the party could not sit down and allow the party to die.

Others at the briefing include John Odey, Kabiru Mohammed, Akilu Indabawa, Umar Ardo, Bashir Maidugu, Mohammed Kabir, Pogu Bitrus, Lancelot Anyanya, and Muyiwa Oladimeji.