Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, recently appointed Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has addressed party members, emphasizing the need for reflection and unity as the party navigates recent internal challenges.
In his appointment acceptance message, Mohammed highlighted the importance of the PDP’s role as a strong opposition party and its commitment to principles of equity, fairness, and justice.
He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from party members across Nigeria, noting a collective desire for a revitalized PDP that adheres strictly to its Constitution.
However, he acknowledged that the party has struggled to fulfill its responsibilities as an effective opposition, citing personal and political conflicts that have hindered its performance at various levels.
Reflecting on the PDP’s history, Mohammed recalled the party’s notable achievements during its 16 years in government, a period fondly remembered as a time of good governance in Nigeria. He stressed the urgency for the party to reclaim its position as a trusted platform for Nigerians.
As part of his mandate, Mohammed announced plans to hold a long-overdue National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24, 2024, to restore confidence among party members.
He urged the North Central Zone to quickly nominate a replacement for former National Chairman Sen. Iyorchia Ayu to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.
The message reads: “It is with the deepest sense of duty that I address you at this time. The domestic events within our Party in the last few days calls for deep reflection about the management of the PDP especially at this crucial time in our nation, particularly as it relates to our role as an opposition Party and general management as a Constitution Compliant Party in the true spirit of the mission and vision of the founding fathers which are equity, fairness and justice.
“I am humbled and grateful by the numerous messages of solidarity, support and best wishes received from members of our Party across the country. The enthusiasm and relief expressed revealed the desire and determination of our members to see a PDP that is strong, democratic and based on strict adherence to its Constitution.
“Regrettably, we must admit that we have not satisfactorily carried out the critical role expected of a virile opposition in a democracy. This, it has been observed is as a result of conflict on interests; – personal or political – elevated above Party interest which continues to have debilitating effect on the ability of our Party to perform effectively at various levels, particularly at the national level.
“This state of affairs continues to affect the performance and viability of our Party to perform its role as expected as a platform which Nigerians have come to admire and looked up to in view of the robust Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and the monumental achievements of the Party in the sixteen years in government, which period is referred to with nostalgia as the golden years of governance in Nigeria.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, desirous of revamping the Party in line with the vision of its founding fathers, on Thursday, October 10, 2024 appointed me as the Acting National Chairman to lead the charge to rekindle the hope and aspiration of our teeming members especially the youths, critical stakeholders and generality of Nigerians who wish to see a political Party that is ready and willing to play the role of effective opposition in the quest to develop our democracy and seek for responsible and responsive government in our country.
“The NWC under my leadership will be guided strictly by the Constitution of our Party and I will at all times be fair to all members irrespective of their status, position or state in the Party. Only this will guarantee and engender loyalty and commitment of our teeming members.
“In this regard, my primary goal, focus and mandate in the onerous assignment is to restore confidence of our members by immediately setting in motion the process to hold the long overdue National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of our Party already scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024.
“In line with the provision of our Party’s Constitution, the North Central Zone which is constitutionality entitled to produce a replacement to serve out the tenure of the former National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu is hereby requested to urgently meet and forward its nominee to my office for necessary preparation and forwarding for consideration and approval by NEC at the October 24, 2024 meeting.
“I hereby seek and solicit the co-operation, support and advice from my colleagues NWC members, all Organs of the Party especially the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), National Assembly Caucus as well as leaders, critical stakeholders and members towards a successful NEC meeting that we can all be proud of.
“Thank you all for the opportunity to serve. Together we can restore the glory of our Party and uphold the sustenance of Democracy in our Country.”