2nd September, 2013
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed optimism that the party will surmount its present predicament and come out more formidable, united and stronger in 2015.
Commenting on the factionalisation of the party into two last Saturday, the state Chairman of the party, Captain Olatunji Shelle, expressed dismay at the attitude of some PDP governors and leaders who are hell bent on causing disaffection in the party.
“Well, at a time like this, a situation like this is expected. People who have grievances, people who have ambitions and those that want to be relevant would show up.
“Don’t forget that we are people from different backgrounds, beliefs, tribes, religions and what have you. Why I am more concerned is why governors should be championing a cause like this. They are supposed to be leaders in their various states.
“I want to tell you that those championing the cause are playing to the gallery. All these are issues of 2015. We have a sitting president and they want to contest against him. I am happy that they are still in the party. They should not boycott, decamp and not form a parallel group.
“Key leaders in the party are working round the clock to ensure that the crisis is resolved. The PDP is going to be more united, formidable and stronger in 2015, that I can assure you,” he said.
The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Barrister Taofeek Gani, said the party is not new to crises, adding that the opposition should not rejoice yet.
“The news of the split is embarrassing and every stakeholder within the party should be concerned about it. This is one of those critical moments for the party at large.
“Going by the antecedents of the party, this current crisis is not insurmountable. The people behind it have radical reasons to want the party to split but the fact that they are still in the party shows that they still love it.
“I want to assure you that the PDP will go into the 2015 elections more united and stronger. The opposition should not celebrate yet, they should go into their room and strategise because we are coming out stronger,” he assured.
The chairman of the Lagos PDP Elders Forum, Dr. Abayomi Finnih, however, said that if the crisis is not resolved as quickly as possible, it will have a negative effect on the party in 2015.
“It is an unfortunate development. It is disheartening that most of the crises within the party across the states have not been completely resolved.
“It is an unfortunate development but we are hoping that the problems will be resolved as quickly as possible.
“If not resolved quickly, it will have a negative impact on the party in 2015. We need to find a lasting solution to the problem at hand if we are to achieve anything meaningful in the next general elections,” he warned.
—Jamiu Yisa