We Won’t Bow To You, PDP Governors Tell Wike

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has stated that its November national convention will go as planned.

The governors were reacting to the demands issued by the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, a group in the PDP chaired by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It is worth recalling that the group had given some conditions for supporting the planned convention, and it included the conduct of fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states.

The group also tasked the PDP to recognise the South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues at the inauguration of the national convention planning committee on Tuesday in Abuja, Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the forum, stated that they are “not cowards”.

“We are not afraid of anybody. We are capable of navigating this party beyond the shenanigans, arrogance, and impunity of others,” he said.

“We cannot continue to take part and allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse. That’s our job. And our job is to make sure we don’t go to the slaughterhouse.

“And we are working as governors and working with the committee to ensure that. The keyword is discipline. We will no longer allow or tolerate anyone taking us for granted. It has to stop.

“Enough is enough. We are not going to tolerate it any longer.”

Mohammed assured Umar Damagum, the PDP national chairman, of his assistance in leading the party until the end of his tenure in November.

“And definitely, Mr chairman, we are with you on this journey as governors. And we will show that we believe in the capacity of the regulator, INEC. We are confident that it is a very valid and credible organisation, driven by the rule of law,” he said.

“This convention is on course. Our party is on course to make sure we have our party. If anybody wants to become a faction of fools, we will allow him to go and do it.”

Damagum stated that since he came into office, he has worked with sincerity and utmost commitment to make things steady in the party.

“But let me be clear; this success has only been made possible by silence and tolerance on my part. Not because I enjoy being disparaged, but because at critical moments, I chose restraint, not out of weakness, but as a conscious sacrifice for the survival and stability of our party,” Damagum said.

“Ironically, many of the destructive voices have come from individuals who have benefited immensely from the PDP. They sought to sow division and weaken our structures.

“Yet history will record, and analysts will debate, but the consensus will remain that in a time of great difficulty, this national working committee, under my leadership, held the line and did a remarkable job.

“Today, I say with conviction that the PDP is not broken. The PDP is not defeated.

“The PDP is marching forward; stronger, more determined, and better prepared to fulfil our overriding objective: to reclaim the presidency of this great country and rebuild Nigeria from the mismanagement of the current ruling party.”

Damagum tasked the committee to consider fairness, equity, justice, and unity of purpose as its benchmark and set aside personal grievances and ambitions.

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