PDP crisis: All members must bow to party’s constitution, says ex-BoT chair

Walid Jibrin, former chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the issues causing grievances within the party will soon be resolved.

Jibrin said all members of the party, no matter their positions, must respect the PDP constitution.

He said this on Monday in a statement issued in Kaduna.

There has been a crisis in the PDP over calls for Iyorchia Ayu to step down as national chairman of the party.

The clamour, which has been championed by allies of Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, is said to be on the grounds that the PDP presidential candidate and national chairman cannot be from the same region.

In the statement, Jibrin described the party crisis as a family matter, adding that the PDP is working towards winning in the 2023 elections.

“I want to assure Nigerians that what is happening in PDP is never a problem, but a normal family matter that would be solved very soon,” he said.

“Never, ever mention that PDP has any problem. We shall soon take over from the ruling party. Nigeria shall move forward.”

He also urged party members and organs within the party to remain united and refrain from making statements that can cause division.

“All our elders, leaders, youths and all women groups in the party must speak with one voice and avoid creating any division,” he said.

“Once an issue has been discussed and agreed upon, all members must abide it.

“All members of the party, no matter what, must accept the decisions taken by the NWC and avoid a situation whereby some few members will come out to make contrary statements.

“All members of our party, no matter their positions, must accept that PDP constitution which is supreme and above all party members.”

He commended governors and other party stakeholders for agreeing to work on the party’s presidential campaign council.

Jibrin said he resigned his position as the BoT chairman in the interest of promoting unity in the party.

“We should never be sectional at all. If I left my position to allow others, based on my concern for Nigeria and our party to be stronger, I have no regret of relinquishing my position,” he said.