News Peoples Democratic Party's Faction (PDP) led by Abubakar Barajehas elected a National Working Committee (NWC). This move seems to have refuted President Goodluck Jonathan's claims that the party was intact.
The NWC has bee formed after the security siege and closure of the new faction's secretariatin Abuja on Saturday, September 7.
The information contains in a statement issued by the faction's National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The 'new PDP' have ratified the election of its NWC members of at a meeting in Abuja.
"Despite the security siege at its national secretariat, the Abubakar Baraje-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ratified the election of its national officers," the statement reads.
The list of members include Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Chairman; Dr Sam Sam Jaja, Deputy National Chairman; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Secretary; Hon. Maode Umar Hiliya, Deputy National Secretary; Timi Frank, National Youth Leader; Hon Binta Koje, National woman leader; Mallam Nasir Issa, National Organising Secretary; Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, National Publicity Secretary; Hon. Wadada, National Financial Secretary; Mallam Tanko Isiaku Gomna, National treasurer.
The positions of National Auditor and that of National Legal Adviser which are zoned to the South East and South West respectfully will be announced shortly, the statement added.
Premium Timesreports that a visit to the national secretariat of the faction on Monday revealed that it has not been re-opened. It further informs that An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) with registration number NPF 5229 C was parked at the main entrance and about a dozen mobile policemen were seen stationed along the road leading to the secretariat.
An anonymous source ofThe Nationrevealed that "The presidency is insisting on sanction against the rebellious members to serve as deterrent to others. "But the elders are of the opinion that the party should adopt no victor, no vanquished policy to move forward. "This demand for sanction will top the resumption of peace talks in Abuja when Obasanjo's team reconvenes."
It will be reminded, that the new faction chaired by Baraje and consisting of seven of the party's 23 governors, has announced that it has taken over the party on Saturday, August 31. Since then struggleswithin the ruling parties have been escalating. One of the turns of the crisis was closureby the police of the the secretariat of the split faction on Saturday.