By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Adedeji Doherty, the Deputy National Secretary of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said there is nothing wrong if the PDP supports President Bola Tinubu to complete a second term in office for the Southern region.
Doherty stated this while representing the party’s factional NWC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, at the inauguration of the 19-member Caretaker Committee for the party in Lagos State, held in Ikeja on Wednesday, December 24.
Speaking on the 2027 general election and the issue of Southern presidency, Doherty said there was nothing wrong if the PDP backs President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to complete a second term for the region.
“It does not mean that we are going to abandon our PDP and declare for the APC. It also does not mean that when you see PDP governors declaring for the APC, they cannot return.
“I believe in Wike’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027. It is his prerogative,” he said.
Doherty noted that supporting Tinubu for another term was the sensible thing to do as it would be difficult for any party to defeat him in 2027, saying such “is going to be a Herculean task.”
The party’s Lagos State Caretaker Committee’s inauguration followed the dissolution of the PDP’s executives in some states, including Lagos State, by the Wike-backed NWC led by Alhaji Abdulraman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
At the inauguration, Kayode Ogunbiyi was sworn in as chairman of the caretaker committee, while Jamiu Awofala emerged as Secretary.
Other members of the committee included Mrs Akinro Bolaji, Mr Ege Allen, Mr Audu Salami, Mr Gani Ogungbayi, Mr Ola Odunwa, Mr Samson Hundeyin, Mrs Adebimpe Mariam, and Mr Solomon Yusuf.
Doherty admonished the new caretaker committee to adhere strictly to the party’s constitution and relevant regulations.
He added that the executives would conduct congresses for the party beginning in January, noting that committee members have been endorsed by “recognised PDP leaders,” and called for unity among members to reposition the party.
The former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate decried what he described as disrespect for the party’s constitution by some members.
He blamed some PDP leaders, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Chief Olabode George, and others, for the party’s lingering crisis.
“We are issuing red cards to those hell-bent on destroying the PDP. The PDP is very important to us. Today marks a new chapter in the evolution of democracy and the party.
“We have heard a lot about court judgments and conflicting judgments on who the authentic chairman of the PDP is.
“As far as we are concerned, and as far as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concerned, the Ibadan National Convention that produced the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee should not have taken place,” he said.
In his address, the sworn-in chairman of the committee, Ogunbiyi, said the immediate goal before the committee was to rebuild the party.
Ogunbiyi also called on former members of the party to return and help rebuild and reposition it, adding that the new leadership would encourage women and youths across all local government areas to participate fully in the forthcoming congresses.
