Stakeholders from Nasarawa State are calling for fair representation, as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gears up for its next National Executive Committee meeting, urging the party leadership to consider Nasarawa in the distribution of officials in the National Working Committee.
Kefas Kaura, a PDP stakeholder from Karu Local Government Area, expressed these sentiments in a press statement released in Lafia, the state capital, on Sunday.
Kaura stated the party’s commitment to promoting internal democracy and equity since the return of democracy in 1999.
He pointed out the significance of the upcoming congresses and national conventions, stating that the process of selecting officials would shape the future of the PDP.
Kayra stressed that Nasarawa State deserves strategic representation in the party’s national leadership to strengthen its bond with supporters and counter external influences on election outcomes in the state.
He stated, “Since the return of Democracy in 1999, the People’s Democratic Party has remained resolute in promoting the principles of internal democracy and equity despite all odds.
“This unwavering commitment to the ideals of political party structure made the PDP stand out amongst other Parties not only in Nigeria but in the African continent.
“The leadership structure of the PDP at the national and sub-national levels over these years reflects the wisdom and dreams of the founding fathers of the Party.
“As the party takes bold steps to reposition, reform and perform its role as the leading opposition and biggest party in Africa, the world would be interested in the party’s preparation for the future of politics in Nigeria which cannot be said to be complete without the veritable contributions of the PDP.
The statement recalled a historic sacrifice made by the Nasarawa State Chapter when its leadership, led by Senator Walid Jibrin, relinquished the highest advisory position of the Chairman Board of Trustees to maintain harmony within the party.
Despite this sacrifice, Nasarawa has never held the position of National Chairman in the party’s 24-year history, unlike other North Central states like Benue, Plateau, Kogi, and Kwara.
The stakeholders stated that including Nasarawa in the upcoming convention would foster unity and a sense of togetherness among party members in the state.
”We in Nasarawa State are only feeling abandoned despite the sacrifice of our leader, Senator Walid Jibrin. Supporting Nasarawa is a legitimate, expedient, and record-setting outlook.
“In conclusion, we call on the National Executive Committee of our great Party to take a critical appraisal of the leadership structure in order to maintain its disposition of amicable resolutions of issues within the party.” The statement read further.
