The Forum of Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called on security and law enforcement agencies to investigate allegations of forgery and the alleged misrepresentation of court judgments in relation to the party’s leadership dispute.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Chairman of the PDP Chairmen’s Forum, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, said the forum remained committed to protecting the party’s integrity and upholding the rule of law.
According to him, the state chairmen were concerned about what they described as continued attempts by some individuals, whom the forum said had been expelled from the party, to present themselves as representatives of the PDP.
“We stand before you today not out of bitterness, but out of duty to defend the integrity of the PDP, protect the rule of law and preserve the peace and stability of our party and our democracy,” he said.
The forum maintained that the recognised leadership of the PDP is the National Working Committee (NWC), headed by National Chairman Alhaji Abdulraham Mohammed and National Secretary Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu.
“There is only one PDP, recognised by INEC and by the courts,” Nwachukwu said, while urging the relevant authorities to address what the forum described as attempts to misrepresent the party’s leadership.
The chairmen also appealed to security agencies to investigate allegations surrounding the interpretation and presentation of court judgements, stressing that the issues should be resolved through lawful means.
To support its position, the forum said it would make certified true copies of the relevant court judgements available to journalists.
It further appealed to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to publicly clarify his position regarding the reported use of his name in the dispute.
The forum also called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to look into its concerns over activities at a property in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, which it alleged was being used in connection with the leadership disagreement.
In addition, the state chairmen urged the PDP National Working Committee to explore all available legal options to protect the party’s identity and ensure compliance with existing court decisions where necessary.
The forum expressed confidence in the current leadership of the party and reaffirmed its support for the National Working Committee as it continues to manage the party’s affairs.
The chairmen also called on PDP members across the country to remain calm, united and committed to the party’s constitutional processes.
“The PDP is bigger than any individual or group of individuals. It is an institution built on sacrifice, law and the will of the people,” Nwachukwu said.
