Former Senate Presidents, Mark, Ayu, Anyim, Wabara, Others wade into PDP crisis, Assure Early Resolution

By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be an end to the current logjam within the opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) as some elders have initiated moves that will bring back peace into the party.

Feelers from Abuja on Thursday indicate that a former Senate President David Mark is leading other 27 elders to broker peace among warring parties.

The crisis, has led to resignation of seven members of the National Working Committee,(NWC), while three governors decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) and of late, a member of the Board of Trustees, (BOT).

The elders have promised to meet with all warring parties, including PDP Governors, the Board of Trustees, and the NWC to find lasting solutions to the fundamental matters arising, while suing for peace among members.

The 28 wise elders made the plea in a statement which they jointly signed in Abuja.

The elders are ex-Senate Presidents, David Mark, Anyim Pius Anyim and Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu; former Deputy Speaker Austin Opara; ex-Minister Jerry Gana; ex-Governors Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Danmkwambo, and former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Others are ex-National Chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo; ex-Ministers Odion Ugbesa and Hajiya Zainab Maina, Senators Biodun Olujimi and Zainab Kure, a former National Chairman of PDP Sen. Ahmed Makarfi; a former Chief of Staff Mike Ogiadomhe; Senate Minority Leader Eyinnaya Abaribe; Sen. Helen Esuene; Sen. Agboola Hosea and Hajiya Adiza Adodo.

The statement said: “In view of recent developments at the National Secretariat of our great party, we have resolved to issue this press statement urging all party organs, party officers and party members to remain calm, faithful and orderly, as we proceed with urgent consultations and initiatives to resolve the contending issues.

“We wish to firmly reassure aggrieved stakeholders that we intend to be thorough, objective, creative, and balanced in our efforts to find lasting solutions to the fundamental matters arising.

“Towards this end, we have initiated moves to urgently meet with our Governors, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, and other critical stakeholders.

“Since we all share the legitimate desires of our loyal members to offer a credible, effective and productive alternative, we have no doubt that we shall soon find positive, appropriate, pragmatic, and lasting solutions to the problems facing the party.

“We shall emerge from this crisis stronger, better, and more united. This is only a temporary challenge.

“We assure all Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party is resolute in providing qualitative leadership, sound programs, effective implementation strategies, and hope generating solutions to our national problems.

“On behalf of the elders and founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, we wish to use this medium to thank all Party Members and supporters across Nigeria and in diaspora for their commitment, loyalty and strong support.”