PDP Reps ask Sheriff to hands off party

‘I will leave office after convention’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives yesterday declared their unalloyed support to the Senator Ahmed Makarfi led faction of the party.

The leader of the caucus, Mr. Leo Ogor , in a statement, expressed utter disappointment over the decision by the court of Appeal to recognise Senator Ali Modu Sherrif as the authentic chairman of the party.

Ogor disclosed that the decision would soon be challenged at the Supreme Court for a final interpretation of the law so as to serve the interest of the supporters.

According to him: “The caucus appeals to all leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party to please remain calm and focused, standing firmly on the position that there is no way the party will accept the Ali Modu Sheriff contraption which is yet to demonstrate any genuine iota of love for the party. ‘’

Meanwhile, Sheriff, said yesterday that his tenure would end immediately after the convention. Although he failed to mention the date of the convention, Sheriff said that his principal mission was to install credible leadership for the PDP before leaving office.

While receiving some leaders of the party in Abuja, Sheriff urged all party members to shelve the idea of fighting and proceed to work in the best interest of the party.

He said: “Ali sheriff is not here to remain as National Chairman forever. As soon as we hold our national convention, I’m leaving. I will make sure that we do a credible convention, and we elect leaders that are accepted by the grassroots, that is our mission. I will do that by the grace of God.

“I plead in the name of God, let’s bring peace to PDP. Let build this party. If you like the party and you want to change something, wait for the convention and vote for the person you like, and Nigerians and the world will see that you’re are validly elected by the PDP.’’

He called on the governors elected on the platform of the PDP to work towards achieving peace among members.