By: Sunday Oyewole
The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has ruled out the party’s participation in the upcoming governorship election in Anambra state holding on November 16.
After post registration National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Party’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja on Thursday, the party came up with a triangular agenda: not to field candidate for the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial election; to concentrate on membership registration and instituted 10 Committees to run its affairs.
On Anambra election, the Chairman, Bashir Ibrahim, said the PDM at this point cannot afford to do hush-hush things.
According to him, due process must be followed and adhere strictly to the provisions of the constitution, stressing that the party cannot afford to “lay bad precedents at this juncture when all we want is to make a difference.
“The Party needs time to grow and that there is enough time to contest in future elections. He also said that he is sure that the PDM not participating in the Anambra election would not put the State in jeopardy”.
The Chairman assured officers that the PDM will be guided by its Constitution at all time and that it is his duty as Chairman to give life to the constitution. He therefore, recommended the establishment of 10 Action Committees as follows: Ad hoc Advisory, Unveiling of the Party, Media and Publicity, National Launching, National Contact and Sensitization, Women Mobilization, Youth Mobilization, Membership Registration, Constitution and Manifesto Review and Fundraising
Furthermore, the Chairman disclosed that some parties have approached the PDM and proposed a merger but PDM would not subsume its identity to any party, but rather relate as equals. He reiterated that PDM will not merge with any other party but there could be room for future alliances.
On whether the PDM was formed to actualise the presidential dream of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, The Chairman said it is untrue and a mere rumour. However, he said PDM belongs to all eligible Nigerians and all is welcome to join the party of light, security, equity and unity.
Present at the meeting were: he meeting presided over by the Interim National Chairman, Mallam Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, had in attendance: Fati Dahiru Adamu, Deputy National Secretary; Cecilia Betzom Aku, National Financial Secretary; Oluwatoyin Olatinwo, National Vice Chairman, S/W; Adeniran Aderogba, National Auditor; Barr Kabiru U. Dodo. National Legal Adviser; Kumolu-Johnson Fola, Deputy Publicity Secretary; Munir Garba Waziri, Deputy Organising Secretary and Mohammad Dan Ige, Vice Vice Chairman, North West. Others were: Ahmed Rufai Abubakar , National Publicity Secretary; Adaeze Ochi, National Vice Chairman, South East; Comrade Ifeanyi Igwe, National Youth Leader; Andrew Ugochukwu, Deputy Youth Leader, S/E; Samuel U. Shaibu, National Organising Secretary; Oloba Irawomitan, Deputy National Legal Adviser; Austin Itua, National Vice Chairman, S/Southand Barr. Muslim Mai Gari, National Vice Chairman, N/East. Also present were: Dagogo Emmanuel, National Treasurer; Tolumoye Frank, Deputy National Financial Secretary; Nwokoro Anthony N., Deputy National Chairman; Gift Shaguy, National Woman Leader; Jamila Haruna, National Deputy Treasurer; James Nyawosa .M, FCT (Ex Officio) and Dr. Oluwole Akinwumi, National Secretary.
