AHEAD of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention billed for October 30-31, there are strong indications that former Senate President, Dr Iyorchia Ayu and former member of House of Representatives, Samuel Anyanwu may emerge as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party respectively.
Newsden multiple sources reported that both Ayu and Anyanwu were seen on Wednesday at a meeting of PDP Governors held at the Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja where Anyanwu was grilled by the governors.
While Ayu has been accepted as Consensus Candidate, Anyanwu enjoys the backing of Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and former Governor Emeka Ihedioha (Imo).
Already, Cyril Maduabum has withdrawn from the race for the position of the National Secretary and it is not clear if Okey Muo-Aroh will go ahead and contest against Anyanwu.
Some of the governors who attended the meeting which was presided by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State include Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ahmed Fintiri (Adamawa) Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Briefing the press after the closed-door meeting, Governor Tambuwal who is also, Chairman, PDP Governors Forum, said, Ayu and Anyanwu were at the venue for their private businesses.
He said, “They came for a private discussion with one or two governors. They had their private discussions and left. Thank you.”
On the outcome of the meeting, he said, “We have just finished our meeting where we received briefings from the convention planning/organizing committee, the governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, that we are on course and by the grace of God, they have almost concluded every arrangement and plan for a very successful, free and fair convention for the PDP coming up on the 30th and 31st of this month.
“We are very grateful to the convention planning committee and other sub-committees for the work they are doing.
“We are optimistic that PDP is going to come out more united from this convention and much more ready to provide the desired platform upon which many Nigerians can realize their aspirations and we shall continue to deepen our democracy and work together as democrats for greater Nigeria.
“The work for the convention is in progress for us to have a successful, hitch-free and peaceful convention.”
Chairman Screening Committee, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) had told journalists before the commencement of the screening that, “Anybody appearing before us, so long as the person has obtained the form and it has been accepted will be screened in accordance with our guidelines.
“I am delighted at the opportunity to witness and participate in this epoch-making event of inauguration Ceremony of Members of the Screening Committee of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party.
“As you are well aware, the Screening Committee is charged with the responsibility of Screening aspirants for national officers of the party for the National Convention of our party.
“This assignment is crucial to the success of our Party, as it signals the beginning of the process of electing credible Nigerians to steer the affairs of our Party.
“I dare say that Nigerians have been waiting for a moment like this where committed democrats with proven record of service to the Party and country will emerge and be elected to usher in a new lease of life in our party politics.
“Nigerians have been yearning for the kind of political leadership and governance that our party has overtime provided for the country.
“The screening process for the election of the National officers of our party marks the beginning of our collective efforts to once more, bestow credible and effective leadership for the country at all levels. We cannot afford to fail.
“We are conscious of the expectation of members of our party especially the aspirants to the various elective positions for a free, fair credible and transparent process.
“We therefore assure you that we shall not only be guided by these ideals in the discharge of our duty, but also, be meticulous in the observance of our party Guidelines, the Constitution of our great party and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Let the end this short address by reiterating that we know the enormity of the task our party has assigned to us and pledge that we shall be fair to all and be free from external influences and dictates.
“We shall justify the confidence reposed in us and deliver on our mandate in the best interest of our country.”
33 aspirants went through screening for various offices that included National Chairman, National Treasurer, National Organising Secretary, National Financial Secretary and National Legal Adviser are unopposed but offices of Deputy National Chairman North and South, National Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Youth Leader and National Women Leader.
