PDP Crisis: Sheriff's South West Faction Decamp to MPN

The Southwest faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has defected to the Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN).

The group said the inflammatory statement of Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose and removal of the names of some of the leaders of the party in the region at Abuja meeting yesterday was responsible for their decision to leave the party.

The Southwest chairman of the group and former chairman of PDP in Ondo State, Hon. Ebenezer Alabi who addressed journalists at the regional secretariat of the party in Ibadan yesterday said the Southwest PDP are resolute to leave the party for governor Fayose and his cohorts.

By Jeremiah Oke

PDP Bigwigs Begin Permutations For Post Of National Chairman

A fresh battle for the chairmanship position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun.

This follows the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which ended the 14-month power tussle between Senators Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff.

Makarfi, who won the legal battle, is expected to organize an elective convention, to usher in a new set of leaders ahead of the 2019 elections.

PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has already approved the zoning of the presidential ticket to the North and the chairmanship to the South.

Some of the contenders for the post of chairman include a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, who is also a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

Also, a former National Vice Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George; former PDP governorship candidate ‎in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje; Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, are all reportedly in the race.

Prince Uche Secondus, a former acting national chairman of the party is believed to be keen on the role.

Media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who was in the race in the last election is another potential candidate.

Makarfi himself has ruled out the possibility of continuing in the position.

By Ifreke Inyang

Sheriff Explains Why He Did Not Attend PDP's National Caucus Meeting

Sacked Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff has given reasons for his absence at the party’s expanded caucus meeting held at the PDP’s secretariat on Monday night.

The meeting attracted prominent members of the party like the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, past and serving state governors, past and current members of the National Assembly as well as the women wings of the party.

Noticeably absent at the meeting was Sheriff, his former deputy, Cairo Ojugboh and others loyal to the sacked PDP Chairman.

However, Sheriff, in a statement by his faction’s spokesperson, Bernard Mikko said he was not in the country, adding that no invitation was extended to him.

The former Borno State Governor also promised to address a world press conference where he will define the way forward for his supporters “nationwide.”

According to the statement, “Senator Modu Sheriff was neither in the country nor invited to the assemblage at Wadata Plaza yesterday evening.

“However, he will address a world press conference to throw light on the way forward after we have received and studied the full judgment of the Supreme Court and analyzed its import on our democracy.

“We therefore appeal to all our loyal supporters nationwide not to defect as we are still committed to bringing the party back to the grassroots. We assure them that we will not only give them a voice, but they will also be heard.

“We will collaborate with global anti-corruption networks to bring all corrupt politicians in Nigeria to book, including PDP members having criminal cases bordering on dishonesty and malfeasance. Never again will corrupt politicians use the platform of our major political institutions to stardom. The party is for all and no one’s enterprise as government is conceived as an administrative state where dishonest politicians bask in democratic corruption.”

By Seun Opejobi

PDP Crises: Sheriff's Faction Not Moved By Supreme Court Judgement

Cairo Ojouigboh, Deputy National Vice Chairman of the sacked Ali Modu Sheriff national leadership has disclosed that the faction was awaiting full details of the Supreme Court judgement.

He said this would allow their lawyers study and advise appropriately.

Ojouigboh spoke to newsmen on Sunday in Warri, Delta State capital, after meeting with some members loyal to Sheriff.

“For now, we are still members of the party and we will be ready to work for the success of PDP in future elections.

“We are PDP members and faithful ones. We are awaiting the written judgement and wait for the advise of our lawyers,” he said.

Ojouigboh urged the party faithful in Delta to return to the grassroots and attract more members while they await directive from the former executive of the party.

Delta factional chairman of the party, Mr Austin Ogbabunor, urged the former leadership of the party to find a way to reconcile the chapter.

Ogbabunor, however, threatened that they would not hesitate to form their own party if the PDP in Delta refused to absorb them.

Meanwhile, PDP National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said there would have been chaos in Nigeria if Ali Modu Sheriff won at the Supreme Court.

By Wale Odunsi

I Have No Desire To Be PDP Chairman – Makarafi

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Makarfi has said he will not be surprised if Ali Modu Sheriff returns to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an interview with Punch, Makarfi, however, called on former PDP members who have decamped to the APC to return.

“Remember that Sheriff came from the APC. We won’t be so surprised if he joins them.

“If he returns to the APC, we will also pray that those who left the PDP should return to the PDP. The equation will be balanced,” he stated.

Makarfi also revealed he would not contest any elective position, including chairmanship of the party.

“I am not going to contest any elective position in the PDP. That has never been part of my ambition.

“There is nothing like the imposition of candidates again. The position of the chairman is an elective position.

“The party members will decide who will be their next national chairman at the convention. To contest is a personal decision.

“I wouldn’t consider myself as the best to administer the PDP. The caretaker committee was an emergency response to save the party. I am happy I did my best,” he added.

By Ifreke Inyang