By: Sunday Oyewole
Last night, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, dismissed the faction of the party led by Abubakar Kawu Baraje, as illegal, saying he would resist it.
According to him, the intention of those behind the new faction is to create the impression that the party is divided with a view to having basis to woo more members into their fold.
While insisting that his leadership would not recognize the faction, Mr. Tukur, said the situation is being closely studied, adding that action would be taken at the appropriate time.
His words, “The PDP does not recognise any parallel party. Those who staged the walk out and organised a kangaroo meeting are all self-seeking and treacherous individuals pursuing neither regional nor religious agenda except their own agenda, except their own personal interest.
“Their attempt to create a parallel party is illegal; unlawful as there are no crises within the PDP whatsoever. They were all active participants in the setting up of this convention. And many of them were with the President and rode with him to the convention venue and joined them in the salutation of all the delegates including their state delegates.
“The PDP is studying the situation as it unfolds and will deal decisively as the situation warrants.
“It is obvious that they are creating crisis where there is none to give the impression that the party is divided. This in their thinking will allow them persuade loyal members of the National Assembly to cross carpet with them. We will resist this.”
It will be recalled that former Vice President Atiku Abubabakr, led seven governors and some PDP chieftains out of Eagles Square, venue of the PDP special convention even when it was still in progress on Saturday.
The dissenting chieftains left for Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre where they addressed a press conference, announcing a parallel national executives committee under the chairmanship of former acting national chairman of PDP, Abubakar Kawu Baraje.
Prominent members of the new faction are Governors Rotimi Amaechi-Rivers, Babangida Aliyu-Niger, Magartakada Wamakko-Sokoto, Muritala Nyako-Adamawa, Sule Lamido-Jigawa, Rabiu Kwakwanso-Kano and Abdulfatai Ahmed-Kwara.
Others are former Governors including that of Nasarawa-Adamu Abdullahi, members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, both chieftains of the ruling party were conspicuously absent at the Eagles Square convention.
