PDP: Sheriff, Makarfi Factions Finally Reconcile

 

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party is back as “one family”, a member of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi’s National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ben Obi, announced yesterday evening around 8pm.

 

The party which has been involved in underground peace talks  between the two warring groups have decided to settle their differences and focus on claiming its leadership mantle from the All Progressives Congress.

Senator Obi spoke with newsmen ahead of a joint press conference billed to be addressed by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Makarfi.

Obi, who was flanked by another PDP chieftain from Sheriff’s camp, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, said both leaders have reconciled and would now set up a joint committee with the support of stakeholders.

He said: “We have decided to issue a joint statement.

“As we speak today, the PDP is back as one family.

“The two leaders will address you gentlemen of the press.

“They will constitute a joint committee with the support of all relevant organs of the party.”

Makarfi, Sheriff Releases Statement

In a statement jointly signed by Sheriff an Makarfi the two leaders agreed to consult with other relevant organs of the party for a final resolution of the leadership crisis that has engulfed the party for a whole now.

The statement titled “Rejuvenating the PDP” reads “This is without prejudice to all outstanding matters in court. At a meeting held this morning between the two of us, a holistic review of the state of affairs of our great party, PDP, was deliberated upon.

“In reviewing the crisis that has engulfed our party since the loss of the 2015 general election after 15years of uninterrupted leadership at the centre, it became obvious to both of us as principal actors that it is time to heal the wounds. And bring about a united, focused and constructive opposition party that can bring sanity to our democratic process. Bringing relief to the teeming supporters of our great party and to the benefit of our great country.

“Based on the above, we have both agreed to: Consult widely with all relevant organs of the party; Set up a joint committee that will carry out a holistic reconciliation of all aggrieved segments of our party across the country and in Diaspora; Pursue the vision of the founding fathers of our great party.

“Details of all the above will be made public soonest.

“We therefore call on all party members to remain calm and refrain from any actions and utterances that could further bring about divisions or dispute the party”