by Adeola Balogun

 

According to a statement issued by a presidency source yesterday, an end to the Peoples Democratic Party crisis might just be in sight.

This was stated by the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, who said that as a result of the fruitful meeting held with the splinter governors, it is clear that the crisis in the PDP would soon be resolved

Gulak reportedly stated this yesterday while making observations about a meeting which was held late on Tuesday between President Goodluck Jonathan and members of the two factions of the PDP.Those at the meeting included Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa from the PDP faction led by Abubakar Baraje.

Those in attendance from the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP were Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe. The meeting reportedly lasted till the early hours of the next day.

Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, on the outcome of the meeting, Mr. Gulak said the meeting was a success.

“What we are saying is that the elders are talking. We are talking in accordance with the law of the land and of the party. So we are on peace course. Both parties are being made to understand what are involved; the party constitution, the Nigerian constitution and other issues that are concerned.

“About the last night meeting, everybody was happy. Further meetings are expected,” he said.

Mr. Gulak said the crisis being experienced by the ruling party was not unexpected as the PDP was the ‘biggest party in Africa’ and ‘the only national party in Nigeria.’

“Everybody wants to belong to PDP and once you have various shades of opinions, that is why in a party like this, we are bound to disagree to agree,” he said.

The presidential aide said he was sure the crisis would be resolved.

“We have the internal mechanisms to sort out ourselves. I’m assuring you that this so-called crisis would be a thing of the past. We are on peace course, we are discussing some of the demands that you media men are speculating are unconstitutional.

“These demands would not in accordance with the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria and certain demands would not be in accordance with the party’s constitution” he said.

“What we are saying is that the elders are talking. We are talking in accordance with the law of the land and of the party. So we are on peace course,” he added.

A source at the presidency claimed that the splinter PDP governors’ demands include that President Jonathan either withdraws from the 2015 presidential race or drop Vice President Namadi Sambo as his running mate; and in his stead, take one of them, possibly Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, as his running mate in the 2015 election.

They also reportedly demanded the recognition of Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the true Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.