PDP North Tips Southwest Zone for Chairmanship

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE  END OF THE MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY NORTHERN ELDERS AND LEADERS FORUM ON THURSDAY, 30TH NOVEMBER, 2017, AT THE AJUJI, HOTEL, ABUJA

PREAMBLE

The meeting of the PDP Northern Elders and  Leaders Forum held at the Ajuji Hotel, Abuja from the evening of Thursday 30th November, to the early hours of Friday 1st December, 2017. The meeting was well attended by notable elders and leaders of the party from all the states of the northern region. Considering the forthcoming national convention, several issues of importance were deliberated upon and resolutions were reached as follows:

2. The forum received reports from the three geo-political zones of the region, regarding the micro-zoning of positions zoned to them, in line with the spirit of rotation. The forum resolved that capable and competent aspirants should be identified and supported.

3. The forum directed the geo-political zones to put in place mechanisms to reconcile those that are aggrieved as a result of the micro-zoning in their zone.

4. The forum re-emphasized that, rebuilding the confidence of Nigerians on the PDP as we move towards 2019 remain paramount. Therefore, whatever decision that is to be taking should be in tandem with this.

5. As we head to the national convention, the forum showed keen interest on the position of the National Chairman. After extensive deliberations, it was resolved that, in the spirit of fairness, equity, carrying every part of the country along, giving every geo-political zone a sense of participation and inclusion in the affairs of the PDP, we strongly support the quest of the Southwest geo-political zone to produce the next National Chairman of the party.

6. In line with our resolve to rebuild and reposition the PDP, we urge delegates from all the Northern States to abide by this decision and vote for only aspirants from the Southwest geo-political zone in the forthcoming national convention, in the best interest of the party. This is without prejudice to the right of aspirants from other geo-political zones to contest.

7. The forum considered other sensitive issues that have serious bearing on the success of the party in the 2019 general elections and reiterated the need for all and sundry to put hands on deck for the success of the party.

8. The forum also, call on all members of the party to accord the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) the required support to conduct a credible, transparent, free and fair convention come 9th-10th December, 2017.

Signed

His Excellency, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau
Former Minister of Education


Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen
Former Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly.
List of some of the Elders and Leaders that attended the PDP Northern Elders and Leaders Forum meeting: Sen. David Mark, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, Amb. Aminu Wali, Prof. Jerry Gana, H.E Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, H.E Sen. Jonah Jang, H.E Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Mallam Adamu Maina Waziri, H.E Gabriel Suswam, H.E Ahmadu Fintiri, PDP Zonal chairmen and state chairmen from the North, Comrade Abba Moro, Barr. Kabiru Turaki, Sen. Nenadi Usman, Sen. Solomon Ewuga, Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen, Col. Bala Mande (Rtd), Sen. Tunde Ogbeha, Haj. Inna Ciroma, H.E Mukhtar Shagari, Haj. Zainab Maina, Alh. Shehu Musa Gabam, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, Hon. Laurencia L. Mallam, Hon. Bello Mutawalle, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Princess Rabi Ibrahim, Dr. Baraka Umar, Hon. Mahmud Abdulmalik, Sen. Damagum, among others.