Sheriff makes dramatic u-turn, says Jonathan never asked me to resign

Sheriff makes dramatic u-turn, says Jonathan never asked me to resign

- The factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has made a dramatic u-turn

- Sheriff denied that former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, had asked him and his rival, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, to resign

- This was part of the political solution recommended to solve the crisis in the party

The factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has stated that he was not asked to resign by former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

Ali Modu Sheriff

In a statement issued by his faction’s spokesman, Bernard Mikko, Sheriff urged leaders and members of the PDP to rally round him in order for the party to conduct; as soon as possible, a national unity convention.

“The public, PDP members and the media are hereby informed that the issue of the national chairman’s resignation as the political solution has never been discussed nor was it put up for discussion with former president and other stakeholders,” the statement said.

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Mikko said instead of resigning that Sheriff is hoping to work out modalities with stakeholders of the party on how to organise a convention.

He continued: “PDP members nationwide and the media are hereby informed that shortly before the Court of Appeal judgment of February 17, 2017; all parties and stakeholders agreed that on the receipt of the court of appeal judgment whichever way it goes; members will be prevailed upon and urged to support the judgment and orders of the court of appeal and rally round the successful party to conduct; as soon as possible a national unity convention for the election of officers; the modalities of which shall be worked out by all stakeholders of the party.

“As a law-abiding citizen and advocate of the rule of law, Sheriff hereby calls on all stakeholders including but not limited to PDP governors; national and state assembly members; Board of Trustees (BoT) members to make themselves available and give their input on how we can as quickly as possible conduct a national unity convention; where our national officers will be elected. The national chairman has promised and undertaken not to contest.”

Media reports had suggested Jonathan asked Sheriff and Makarfi to step down and for the party to forge a new path especially with the coming of the 2019 general elections.

Jonathan also suggested that the governors be left to run the party and put it back to reckoning by nominating a new chairman.

Meanwhile, the national reconciliation committee of the PDP has also opted for political solution to end crisis.

READ ALSO: I will quit as chairman after PDP convention, Ali Modu-Sheriff promises

The committee headed by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state stated that the only way to end the PDP's crisis is through political solutions.

The committee made its position known after a meeting on Thursday, March 2 in Abuja attended by national assembly members and former leaders of the party.