There is anxiety in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the insistence of suspended National Chairman Uche Secondus to forge ahead with his court.
The embattled chairman is in court seeking his reinstatement into office, following the ruling of Federal High Court, which affirmed the decision of his ward in River State to suspend him.
His insistence on the litigation has created tension in the party, ahead of the national convention.
Sources feared that Secondus’ triumph at the court may be a setback for the ongoing convention preparation.
Secondus’ spokesman Ike Abonyi, said in a statement yesterday: ”The attention of the media office of Prince Uche Secondus has been drawn to unsubstantiated story claiming that Prince Uche Secondus is under pressure to withdraw his case against the party from court.
“ The truth which the said news did not state is that Prince Secondus is not in court against the party, but was dragged to court instead by person bent on hijacking the soul of the party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the media office wishes to restate that Prince Secondus is really under pressure for justice and would seek it anywhere to save the party from hirelings out to destroy and derail the focus of the party.
“The party leaders are aware of who went to court against it and knows what to do rather than indulging in mind game.”
Secondus said only justice can save PDP from brinkmanship.
“Nothing short of Justice and respect for its servants will save PDP from the hands holding now.
“For avoidance of doubt the justice Prince Secondus is seeking is as enshrined in the party constitution which is Supreme and states clearly how a National Chairman and any National officer can be sanctioned even where there is a known beach talk less where there is none.” He added.
Following the zoning of the position to the Southeast, PDP Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) announced the choice of Senator Anyanwu as the consensus candidate. But leaders of the party in the geo-political zone have now said no.
According to a source, members had identified Wike and Secondus as the arrowheads of the crisis rocking the party.
: “We have resolved to hold a frank session with Wike and Secondus within the next 48 hours. We will make the observations of party leaders to them and also seek their cooperation on the way out for the party.
“Our minimum demand is immediate withdrawal of all cases in court in order to restore stability to the party. Without the withdrawal of the cases, PDP National Convention cannot hold on October 31st.
“The conflicting orders from different courts have not helped the nation’s democracy and the image of PDP as a democratic party.
“Do not forget that withdrawal of cases was a major mandate given to us by the National Caucus.”
“Also, we will use the opportunity to seek their opinions on all issues that led to the crisis in order to avert a repeat in the future. By the time we interact with them, there may be some of their backers or foot soldiers we need to reach out to.
“Once they agree to withdraw cases, we will then look for internal solutions after meeting with the key actors and their supporters.”
“This crisis may lead to recommendations from the panel on how to handle such whenever it occurs. Our report may even guide PDP to amend its constitution on intra-party disputes.” the source added.
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