The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is worsening with the National Working Committee (NWC)of the party splitting into two.
A group of NWC members met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Tuesday while another group led by Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum met yesterday, Wednesday with the Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde.
The Bauchi State Governor told his guests that the party’s national chairman, Damagum has outlived his usefulness and should be sent packing.
However, Makinde told the faction of NWC members that visited him in Ibadan that he was giving 100 per cent support to the acting chairman.
In the words of Mohammed: “My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate.
“According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated.
“North Central has been eager for this opportunity, and we’ve discussed this issue.
“We are committed to working with the NWC and the party to ensure that the North Central is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”
The NWC team that met with Mohammed was led by the National Legal Adviser, Kamaluddeen Adeyemi.
Others were National Publicity Secretary Debo Olagunagba and National Vice Chairman (Northeast) Emmanuel Bovao, National Treasurer Ahmed Yayari, National Women Leader Amina Bryhm and National Financial Secretary W. A Daniel.
The DG-PDP Governors Forum Agbo Emmanuel and Consultant Agu Emmanuel was also in the entourage.
Makinde pledged full support for
But Damagum, who was in Ibadan for the turning of the sod for the rehabilitation of the Ladoke Akintola airport received the full support of the Oyo governor.
According to Makinde: “I am glad also that our Acting National Chairman and members of his NWC are here.
“I was reading yesterday (Tuesday) that there was another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members.
“Let me say clearly that I have been discussing with my brother and let me tell you that we are 100 per cent in support of Damagum-led NWC.
“Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party.
“Let me also say this: I don’t think this is the right time…Even if we have issues within ourselves, we have an important election on Saturday.
“So, we should all just rally around and deliver our candidate.”
He dispelled speculations that he is not in support of Edo PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, explaining that he was away to Finland and Sweden when they fixed the Edo governorship grand finale rally.
“Let me declare loud and clear that Seyi Makinde is 100 per cent with our candidate Asue Ighodalo in Edo State and it is the Edo people’s decision.
“If the people of Edo want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, you should vote for Asue Ighodalo and deliver him as your next governor. He will give you nutrition.”