Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, the disputed National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on loyalists of the party to “work collectively towards ending the leadership crisis within the party.”
Sheriff’s call is contained in a statement signed by Mr Inuwa Bwala, his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja.
The statement while urging PDP loyalists to be wary of smear campaigns, advised them to ignore the campaigns and rather unite to finding lasting solution to the crisis rocking the party.
It added that the call was important in the face of recent report alleging that Sen. Buruji Kashamu was a “godfather’’ to Sheriff.
The statement described the report as “part of the mischief and orchestrated smear campaigns embarked upon by some people, against Sheriff.”
“We wish to state, for the avoidance of doubt, that Sheriff has no godfather in politics and Sen. Buruji Kashamu could not have been one.
“It is becoming clearer that the PDP National Chairman’s critics have run out of ideas on how to achieve their selfish agenda.”
The statement said that the falsehood was aimed at distracting Sheriff from manifesting his capacity to reposition the PDP.
“It is most uncharitable for anybody to imply that Kashamu is Sheriff’s godfather,” the statement declared.
It said that Sheriff had a very long history of political activities behind him, and did not need a godfather to survive.
Meanwhile, the former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Mr Cairo Ojuogboh, has expressed optimism that the party would come out stronger from its current crisis.
“What is happening today in the PDP is what will save it; if this crisis didn’t arise, the party would have been wallowing today in ignorance.”
Ojuogboh said that both factions of the party were already meeting to resolve the crisis.
He said: “we are already negotiating. Negotiations and talks are already in top gear and we have made remarkable progress in the process of resolving the issues.
“The two parties are talking very seriously in various fronts and these talks have progressed.
“Last week, the two major contenders were to meet, but for one reason or the other.
“One of them travelled and the meeting was postponed; but the meeting will take place as quickly as possible.
“I want to assure you that the end of the conflict is in sight and is achievable,” Ojuogboh added. (NAN)