A Board of Trustees member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ejiofor Onyia, has announced that the party is putting internal disputes behind it and repositioning itself to better serve Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Monday after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Onyia expressed confidence that the PDP is moving past its period of rancor and disunity.
According to Onyia, recent caucus and NEC meetings were marked by harmony and a renewed commitment to the party’s founding ideals.
He stated, “One thing is certain, that the PDP is coming around. I think we are now exiting our time of squabbling and all sorts of problems.
The party is coming back together to serve the nation the way we have served it before.”
Onyia revealed that the party has begun corrective steps to address constitutional loopholes that previously fueled misunderstandings.
He cited the controversial amendment that changed the requirement for office holders seeking elective positions to resign, altering the wording from “shall” to “may.”
To this end, a constitutional review committee has been set up, with recommendations expected to be ratified at the upcoming convention.
He said, “Part of what started the problem that we’re facing today, is the issue of the change in the constitution from the time we bequeathed the constitution to the party as a founding father.
”U was one of those that reviewed the constitution originally before it was given to the party.
”And what was stated there was clearly that before any candidate who is holding a party office goes for elective office, that candidate must resign.
”That was what we bequeathed the party originally. Somehow, I think, as amendments were being done, the wording was changed from ‘shall’ to ‘may.
”That’s what created the initial misunderstanding. So we recognised that, and hence we decided, ok, let’s settle this matter. Let it go. But then there will be a new review of the constitution, and I’m sure that will.
Onyia emphasised reconciliation as the party’s central priority, stressing that political differences should not permanently divide members.
He noted, “For political purposes, we need to allow everybody to show remorse, and come back to the system, and then let’s pursue the goal of the party, which all of us agreed to do originally.”
