PDP Chairmen In Turaki Camp Rule Out Attendance At Abuja Convention

Chairmen aligned with the Turaki-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party have ruled out participation in the proposed Abuja convention, declaring their unwavering loyalty to the faction’s leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Chairman of State Chairmen, Tony Azigbemi, emphasized the unity and commitment of members within the camp, noting that a significant number of state chairmen remain firmly aligned despite a few absences.

“We are 28 of us with some apologies. That shows you how dedicated, how committed these men are to the cause of our party,” he said, reaffirming their support for the leadership of the national chairman, Turaki.

Azigbemi described the ongoing dispute within the party as a battle of principle, criticizing what he portrayed as unilateral decisions regarding party structure and leadership appointments.

“We believe it’s a fight between light and darkness. We believe one man cannot sit in his bedroom and write the names of members of the National Caretaker Committee of our great party,” he stated.

He stressed that the PDP, by its nature, requires broad consultation and collective decision-making, rejecting any move that sidelines stakeholders in determining the party’s leadership.

“You must have consultation. You must bring more people to the table when you are sharing those positions,” he added.

Addressing reports of an upcoming convention in Abuja, Azigbemi questioned the legitimacy of such plans, insisting that no such decision had been collectively agreed upon by party stakeholders.

“Which convention? Where did we decide that we are going for a convention? Who agreed to go to that convention?” he queried.

He concluded by assuring the Turaki-led leadership that the state chairmen would remain steadfast and would not attend the said convention.

“For us at the level of the state chairmen, we want to assure you that we’ll go nowhere, that we’ll stick with you… no matter what is thrown at us, we will make sure that we stand by you.”

End.