The disputed national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has been asked to “soft pedal and let go” in the interest of the party.
The senator representing Ogun East District, Buruji Kashamu, made the call in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.
Kashamu, who was one of the very few PDP chieftains that stood behind Sheriff when his other backers withdrew their support, said it was time for the disputants to bury the hatchet in order to reposition the party for constructive opposition role.
The Ogun senator disclosed that he opted to join Sheriff at the initial stage because the party leaders did not consult him before removing the former Borno State governor as chairman.
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He said: “When I was asked by our leaders to support our revered national leader, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, as the national chairman, none of the leaders told me that they had changed their mind.
“Therefore, my support was to maintain the dignity and respect for the office of the National Chairman.
“Disputes and disagreements are part and parcel of any dynamic organization. But while we disagree, we must not throw away the baby with the bath water as true party men and women. There must be room for resolution of the disputes and disagreements.”
“Therefore, I can only plead with our great leader, Sheriff, who has been hurt, to soft-pedal and let go, in the interest of the party and our teeming members. He has shown that he is a principled man and a courageous person.
“Since he and Makarfi have said they are not interested in contesting for the office of national chairman of the party at the national convention, he should encourage all his people to participate in the process leading to the rescheduled national convention.
“I wish to enjoin all my leaders, elders, associates and supporters in the Southwest to join hands with all our states, zonal and national leaders to move our party forward. Let’s sheathe our sword and put an end to recriminations and infighting”.
