The governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have overturned the suspension imposed on the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
This decision followed twin meetings held on Monday and Tuesday in Enugu under the aegis of the PDP Governors Forum (PDP-GF), led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Governor Mohammed announced that the party has returned to the status quo prior to the National Working Committee’s (NWC) suspension of the two officials, who had since formed a faction within the party.
He added that the critical organs of the party will meet to decide on the scheduled October 24 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Governor Mohammed stated: “On behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, the Chairman of the Senate Caucus, and the representative of the Board of Trustees (BoT), we had a family meeting and wish to reaffirm that there is no faction in the PDP.
“All suspensions you’ve heard about have been resolved by the governors, the NWC, the National Assembly Caucus, and the BoT.
“There is no faction; everything has reverted to the status quo under Acting Chairman Damagum, pending the time the governors and other party organs will sit down to resolve the issues.
“There is no party without challenges, and some of these are legal matters. We do not want to preempt the outcomes of legal proceedings.
ALSO READ: Nigeria can generate N4.59trn from taxing 4,690 wealthiest citizens yearly — CISLAC
“So, whatever speculations or perceptions have been circulated are incorrect. Both sides have agreed that, in the interest of the party and the nation, we should return to the status quo before the suspensions and counter-suspensions.
“These suspensions have been lifted; there are no more suspensions. That is the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum.”
The Bauchi governor appealed to party members to remember that “the PDP is the only party we have, and it is the most experienced, having produced government and good governance since 1999.
“We should make sacrifices and come together. Yes, there may be grievances, but we must set them aside. Our personal feelings should not create perceptions that seem to divide us.”
Regarding the NEC, he added: “The governors, BoT, and NWC will sit down and discuss the sanctity of the October 24 NEC meeting.”
In his brief remarks, PDP Acting National Chairman, Damagum, emphasized that there is no crisis within the party, urging the media to be mindful of their reporting.
“As far as I am concerned, there is no crisis in the party, though some individuals are trying to exploit the situation.
“I urge the press not to escalate matters where no crisis exists.
“As far as I’m concerned, the governors are our leaders and the key organs of this party. When they speak, we must consider their words holistically and abide by them.”
When asked about the status of Ologunagba and Ajibade, Damagum responded: “Have they left? They are still part of the party.”
ALSO READ:Gov Inuwa approves rejig of Gombe permanent secretaries, assigns new portfolios
The communiqué issued after the meeting affirmed the statement of the Forum Chairman, stating: “Based on the decision of the Forum and consultations with the Board of Trustees, NWC, and other organs of the party, we hereby resolve as follows:
“That the organs of the party were cautious in addressing issues, particularly those with pending legal disputes.
“That the NWC should revert to the status quo and remain united in the interest of the party and the nation.
“That all suspensions issued on officials within the NWC have been lifted immediately.
“That there are no factions within the party, and minor issues should not be blown out of proportion.
“We also urge those in positions of responsibility to be mindful of their commitment to serving and strengthening the Party, building upon the dreams of our founding fathers.”
Governors present at the meeting included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
It is worth recalling that the NWC recently announced the suspension of both Ologunagba and Ajibade for calling on party members in Rivers State to participate in the recently concluded local government elections, which was against the national leadership’s stance.
In a swift reaction, the National Publicity Secretary announced the suspension of Acting Chairman Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu over alleged anti-party activities, declaring Ahmed Yayari Mohammed as the new Acting National Chairman.
