The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the threat by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction, Mr Bernard Mikko, to deal with the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee as coming from an empty vessel.
The party, in a statement by Adm. Chinwe Nnorom, Head of PDP Publicity Division, said Mikko was only acting to gain cheap favour by his threat to take legal action against the Makarfi group.
Mikko had earlier in a statement threatened to apply legal procedures against the Makarfi-led committee if it refused to stop speaking for PDP.
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to an unknown quantity in the name of one Bernard Mikko purporting to be the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.
“While we are duty bound not to dignify him by replying to all the points raised in his statement, we wish to, however, clarify that the National Caretaker Committee of the Party is a creation of the National Convention.
“The national convention is the highest decision making body of the PDP and it’s so recognised by Courts of Competent Jurisdiction.
“We won’t, therefore, exchange words with self-appointed members of a non-existent National Working Committee (NWC).
“For the umpteenth time, we wish to reiterate that, at least, 90 per cent of members of the former NWC are all cooperating with the National Caretaker Committee led by Makarfi,” Nnorom said.
She added that the threat of issuing Form 48 and 49 by “this unknown person is stupid and ridiculous”.
“For emphasis, there are several judgements of courts nullifying the appointment of the former National Chairman, and directing him not to continue parading himself as Chairman of the PDP.”
Nnorom said that it was Sheriff who was in violation of these judgements that the Form 48 could be issued against.
“Notwithstanding, we want to believe that this unknown individual is acting on a personal agenda to gain very cheap political favour from Senator Sheriff’s group.
“This is more so given the on-going reconciliation processes with Makarfi and Sheriff in the interest of our great Party.
“To this end, the leadership of the party remains resolute to embrace those who genuinely seek peace for our great party, the PDP,” she added
Nnorom, however, called on all PDP members, supporters and the general public to continue supporting the leadership of the Party under the chairmanship of Makarfi to move the party forward.
The two factions have been wrangling over who are authentic leaders of the party, a quarrel that is threatening its chance of participating in the Ondo State Governorship election on November 26.
Both sides have presented candidates for the poll but the election umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the party leaders to resolve their differences and present a candidate for the poll.
