PDP Presidential Candidate Calls for Unity and Reconciliation
Gbenga Hashim, a notable presidential contender representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has raised alarms over the faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, urging them to abandon plans for a contentious 'factional convention.' In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, Hashim warned that such an event poses a grave danger to the party's unity and reconciliation efforts.
Hashim characterized this planned convention as a significant threat to the PDP’s stability, emphasizing that both factions had previously committed to pursuing a unity convention, particularly in light of the recent Court of Appeal ruling.
Concerns Over Party Integrity
In his plea for internal peace, Hashim alluded to what he referred to as the activities of a 'fifth columnist,' which he believes have undermined the reconciliation process while serving external interests.
"I urge the Wike faction not to deviate from the agreements made among us," Hashim stated, stressing that the party's survival and integrity are on the line.
Warning Against Changes in State Executive Committees
Hashim expressed serious concerns regarding possible attempts to alter the executive committees of state chapters, particularly in states such as Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kano. He pointed out that these actions would contravene the PDP's constitution.
According to Hashim, the terms of the state executives are fixed and must not be subject to arbitrary changes. He cautioned against "exporting the national leadership crisis into otherwise stable state structures."
Identifying the legitimate state chairmen in the respective regions, Hashim noted:
- Hon. Raymond Dabo (Plateau)
- Hon. Adamu Ninga (Nasarawa)
- Hon. Edward Percy Masha (Kaduna)
- Hon. Yusuf Ado Kibiya (Kano)
He stressed the importance of upholding their leadership mandates and warned that creating parallel structures in states without internal disputes could exacerbate crises and erode the party’s unity as upcoming elections approach.
Call for Unity and Negotiation
Hashim highlighted the pressing need for key players in the ongoing dispute to consider the potential consequences of failing to resolve their differences. He urged all parties to adhere strictly to an agreed framework for power-sharing and the harmonization of the National Working Committees from the competing factions.
He called on all stakeholders within the party to return to the negotiation table to finalize a unified leadership structure, emphasizing that any factional convention held at this juncture would likely lead to unfavorable outcomes for the PDP.
Reiterating the significance of harmony, Hashim concluded that unity remains the only viable strategy for the PDP to reclaim its strength, credibility, and competitiveness in the upcoming elections.