Ali, govs, others angry - Over PDP convention panel lists; Party may reconstitute committee

Idowu Samuel, Abuja - 14.02.2008

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have resolved to re-constitute its National Convention Committees, especially its screening committee, for its national convention scheduled for March 8.

The reconstitution of the committees would, however, not be comprehensive, since both Alhaji Adamu Ciroma and Chief Bode George would remain the heads of the screening panel and national planning committees respectively.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the need for the reconstitution of the convention committees was sequel to a crisis of confidence which broke out among the national officials of the party on the committee lists released last week.

There have been reports that the National Secretary of the PDP, Chief Bernard Ezeh, did not carry the outgoing National Chairman of the party, Chief Ahmadu Ali, along before releasing the lists of the convention committee to the media.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP held a crucial meeting on Tuesday in Abuja where members reportedly took on the National Secretary on his decision to release the lists without due consultation with the outgoing national chairman.

Nigerian Tribune confirmed that the PDP National Secretary apologised to the meeting, explaining the reasons behind his action.

According to findings, it was after his apology that the meeting resolved to effect changes in some of the committees to accommodate the nominations made by its state governors, who were also equally angry that they were not consulted. The screening committee of the party is to draw a member from each of the PDP controlled states.

In another development, former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, on Tuesday submitted his nomination form, saying that he was in the race for the national chairmanship of the PDP.

Speaking with journalists at the PDP’s National Secretariat, Abuja, Ogbuewu said the contest for him would not be a do-ordie affair. He denied being in the race to serve any interests in the party.

Also, a candidate for the post of National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdul Razak Umar, submitted his nomination form. He promised to help rebuild the PDP in a way that the party would be attractive to all members.