By David Okpashi
The Nasarawa State Chapter of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP on has expressed it’s displeasure over non representation in the executive structure of the party.
The party on Sunday, April 7, demanded inclusion in the national leadership structure of the party as preparation for its National Executive Committee meeting to decide on a number of issues including the status of its current National leadership.
A concerned stakeholder from Nasarawa state is therefore calling on the party to consider Nasarawa in the distribution of its officials in the National Working Committee so as to give them a sense of belonging.
A PDP StakeHolder from Karu LG, Engr. (Dr). Kefas D. Kaura made the call in a signed statement and made available to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, on Sunday.
According to the statement, “Since the return of Democracy in 1999, the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) has remained resolute in promoting the principles of internal democracy and equity despite all odds.
“This unwavering commitment to the ideals of political party structure made the PDP’S stand out amongst other Parties not only in Nigeria but in the African continent .
“The leadership structure of the PDP at the national and sub- national levels over these years reflects the wisdom and dreams of the founding fathers of the Party.
“As the party takes bold steps to reposition, reform and perform its role as the leading opposition and biggest party in Africa, the world would be interested in the party’s preparation for the future of politics in Nigeria which cannot be said to be complete without the veritable contributions of the PDP members from all parts of the country.
The stakeholder noted how its officials would emerge from existing vacancies, and the next historic and state chapter congresses and national convention coming up later in the year is strategic.
“How this process is handled will sign-post the future of PDP and its politics at all levels. At this point, it is pertinent to note that Nasarawa State deserves strategic accommodation in what would become the present or future outlook of the party.
The statement noted that the inclusion of Nasarawa in the official position at the national level will enable supporters believe in their consistent choice of relationship with the PDP despite the saddening activities of outsider influence on the outcome of elections in Nasarawa State.
“Let it be on record at this moment that the Nasarawa State Chapter of the party made a historic sacrifice when it’s leadership and leader Senator Walid Jibrin opted out by taking Nasarawa State along to relinquish the only non- executive but highest advisory position of the Chairman BoT because of Sen Iyochiya Ayu position as national chairman when the party found itself with both its chairman and presidential candidate from thw north and Ayu our neibhour from Benue state wouldnt relinquish his seat leading to widespread disagreementthat eventually affected the party in the last elections.
“In view of the established fact that the Party has existed for over 24 years with states such as Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara in the North central geo political zone occupying the seat of National Chairman at different epochs except Nasarawa, “it would be nice to look in our direction, he said.
The statement, however, said that the gesture to include Nasarawa in the upcoming convention would no doubt give the zone a sense of togetherness, unity, and presence.
‘We in Nasarawa State are only feeling abandoned despite the sacrifice of our leader, Senator Walid Jibrin. Supporting Nasarawa is a legitimate, expedient, and record-setting outlook.
“In conclusion, we call on the National Executive Committee of our great Party to take a critical appraisal of the leadership structure in order to maintain its disposition of amicable resolutions of issues within the party.