Stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party are pushing for a consensus approach in selecting a new party chairman, with former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, former party chairman, Kawu Baraje, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi reportedly among those eyeing the position ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15.
At the same time, members of the party’s National Executive Committee called for credible and competent individuals with proven track records to enter the race. However, opinions remain divided on the idea of a consensus candidate.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that the PDP’s handling of leadership positions in the South-South and South-East regions could jeopardise the success of the upcoming convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Reacting to the developments, Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity for the ruling All Progressives Congress, said the internal conflicts and personalities in the PDP could signal the party’s collapse at the November convention.
The PDP recently emerged from a prolonged internal crisis that had spanned several months. During the turmoil, several key party members defected to the APC and the newly established African Democratic Congress coalition.
In a bid to restructure and reposition, the PDP decided at its 101st NEC meeting on July 24 to convene a National Elective Convention to elect 19 new members into its National Working Committee.
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