By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has inaugurated a 44-member national convention zoning committee for the party ahead of its national convention coming up on November 15 and 16 this year in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
At the inauguration of the committee, which has the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as Chairman and his Plateau State counterpart, Barrister Caleb Muftwang as Secretary, the party’s acting National Chairman, Amb Ilya Damagum, described it as the engine room which will lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years.
Damagum advised that the party’s zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen its unity, reward loyalty, and position it for electoral victory.
His words: “This Committee is the engine room where we lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years.
“The decisions you take will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and defend the democratic values we represent.
“We operate in a dynamic political terrain, sometimes turbulent, always demanding the very best from us.
“In recent times, we have faced changes in leadership and the departure of some members who chose a different path, yet we remain standing because the PDP is bigger than any individual, stronger than any momentary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
‘That is why the next National Working Committee must not only be representative, it should be visionary, courageous, and proactive.
“We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity. We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians.
“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory.
“I trust that the Zoning Committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and a full understanding of the bigger picture: PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest”, he said.
In his response, the Chairman of the zoning committee, Senator Duoye Diri, while responding on behalf of other members, promised that the party will
be consultative, will partner and be inclusive in ensuring that members arrive at a fair and just zoning formula for our party.
According to him, “On behalf of the members of the committee, I stand to accept this huge responsibility that has been bestowed upon us.
“We will be consultative, we will partner, and we will be inclusive in ensuring that we arrive at a fair and just zoning formula for our party.
“Thank you for finding us worthy to discharge this assignment and we will discharge it to the best of our ability”, he assured.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed said, “The governors are behind the National Working Committee in its desire to make sure the party is repositioned for Nigerians to have a credible alternative with experience and the human capital and the foresight that we are known for.
“All the legacies and landmarks of democratic dividends have been provided by the PDP. I believe Nigerians are aware that whatever you see, that you are tangible in terms of measurable achievements, were done by PDP. The many years of APC administration has left woes and melancholy and hunger and anger.
“I assure you, the governors are behind this project of making Nigeria one and unified and bringing a leadership recruitment that will make Nigeria happy, irrespective of their personal interests”, he said.
Also, the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Umaru Bature, in his speech described the committee as “important as it will lay the foundation for the future of this party in coming days and years and months ahead”.
Continuing, Bature said, “This committee will be that catalyst that will bring back that life that people have claimed that we have not.
“And we believe the capacity of the chairman of this committee will do justice with the area of members from other states, from the states that are in this committee”, he said.
Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, serves as the Committee’s Vice Chairman, while Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, is the Secretary.
Other members include; Chief Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Sen. Monsurat Sumonu, Hon. Mohammed Imam, Barr. Peter Mrakpo, SAN, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, former Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, former PDP National Secretary Sen. Ibrahim Tsauri, former Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Maryam Ciroma, Sen. Zainab Kure, former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among several others.
