Two factions of state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday clashed in Abuja over the party’s court backed National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff and the chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
While one faction comprising 22 members declared support for Sheriff, the other faction from 26 states, affirmed support for Makarfi.
The pro-Makarfi faction led by the Akwa Ibom State chapter chairman, Mr. Paul Ekpo, described the pro-Sheriff faction as impostors, saying its members used their names and forged their signatures in communicating with the public.
At a media conference attended by 26 state chairmen, Ekpo accused the pro- Sheriff faction of convening an illegal meeting of the forum of state chairmen without the authentic members in attendance.
“The Forum takes serious objection to the way and manner a few of our colleagues, without authority used the names of the Forum to convene purported meeting of the Forum of PDP Chairmen on March 17, 2017.
“The Forum is not happy that many chapter chairmen of the party had their names, telephone numbers written as attendees and their signatures forged.
“The Forum is aware that the affected chairmen have since denounced the fraudulent use of their names. We therefore support whatever appropriate action these chairmen may deem fit and proper to take to protect their good names,” Ekpo stated.
The pro- Makarfi faction protested the appointment into vacant positions in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) by Sheriff.
According to Ekpo, the action ran contrary to the party’s constitution and the February 17 judgment of the Court of Appeal that affirmed Sheriff as national chairman.
The Ekpo group also endorsed the report of Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson’s reconciliation committee, but urged the governor to submit the report to all the organs of the party and the caretaker committee for their input.