PDP NWC meets senate caucus, claims APC meddling in minority leadership selection

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national working committee (NWC) says consultations are still ongoing to nominate members for the minority leadership positions in the senate.

Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, in a statement on Monday, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of “subterranean moves” to meddle in the opposition party’s selection process.

He said the PDP NWC met with members of the party’s senate caucus as a part of the ongoing consultations.

Ologunagba said at the meeting, “the importance of a virile and stable opposition” in the national assembly was emphasised.

He said the “caucus assured that it will play that important role in the defence of democracy” and “in the interest and wellbeing of Nigerians”.

“The meeting condemned in its entirety the alleged subterranean moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to meddle with the affairs of the minority with regards to the emergence of the minority leadership which is an exclusive reserve of the minority caucus as expressly stipulated by constitutional provisions and standing rules of the senate,” the statement reads.

“The PDP and the senators continue with consultations on the emergence of the minority leadership in the senate and are resolved to collectively present a unified leadership after due and conclusive considerations. Accordingly, the PDP will continue to provide the necessary leadership in this regard.”

Ologunagba said the PDP NWC was mandated to communicate to Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the nominations into the minority leadership positions have not been concluded.

He added that “upon conclusion, the nominated list would be formally conveyed to the senate president appropriately for necessary action”.

Ologunagba said the party commended members in the senate for their unity, steadfastness, loyalty and commitment towards the sustenance and deepening of democracy in our country.