Embattled Chairman of the troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus, has got what appears to be a soft landing from outright disgrace from office after leaders on Tuesday opted for an early national convention.
The decision came as two different groups from the north stormed the PDP National Secretariat, with one, asking for his removal, and the other, his retention.
The convention, earlier scheduled for December this year, now holds in October.
The leadership of the party has been split over the timing of Secondus, who many see as devoid of the charisma and acumen required to exploit the weaknesses of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In fact, the PDP lost ground, losing three of its governors to the equally troubled APC.
The PDP leaders, including governors, former governors, serving and former National Assembly members, after a meeting in Abuja, requested the National Executive Committee, NEC to constitute a committee to zone national elective and party positions.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal, chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, who issued a communique at the end of the meeting, called for unity in the opposition PDP as an alternative to the APC administration.
The communique of the PDP leaders reads in full:
The PDP Stakeholders held a meeting on Tuesday 10th August, 2021, at Wadata Plaza,, Abuja on the recent developments in the PDP.
2. There were extensive consultations with all major stakeholders in the Party including the Governors, members of the Board of Trustees, former Presiding Officers and current Principal officers and Leaders from the National Assembly, former Governors, former Ministers, and indeed other leaders of the Party with a view to bringing all tendencies within the Party together in view of the urgent task facing the Party as the only viable vehicle to checkmate the abysmally poor governance of the APC led Federal Government.
3. The meeting deliberated extensively on the issues thrown up and resolved as follows:
a. That the Constitution, traditions and practicebs of the Party should be strictly adhered to in finding solutions to any problems.
b. That all parties should sheath their sword in the greater interest of the PDP and the need to RESCUE Nigeria from the avoidable National malaise and drift occasioned by the APC administration.
c. That all processes leading to an early National Convention in October be immediately activated by relevant Party organs, especially National Executive Committee (NEC).
d. That the Party should redouble efforts to provide a credible alternative leadership for Nigeria as it still remains the only hope for the Nigerian people for good governance.
e. The meeting requested the NEC to immediately constitute a Zoning Committee for Party Offices and another Committee for National elective Offices.
f. The meeting expressed appreciation to Party elders for their commitment and wisdom in handling Party affairs.
g. We shall overcome and restore peace, security and development once again to Nigeria.