Leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reportedly begun countermeasures to stop members from leaving the party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Sources who spoke to the Punch disclosed that PDP leaders were actively engaging leaders and members nationwide, urging them not to align with the ADC.
An insider claimed that the party was prepared to deny tickets to any elected member who fraternised with the coalition unless they publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP and rejected the opposition alliance.
Sources told the aforementioned publication that the PDP’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum and other organs were deeply concerned about the unfolding situation.
One senior party official, who spoke anonymously, said, “The leaders of the party are not happy with the total disregard for the PDP. How can someone claim to be a PDP member while openly working for the ADC? Does that make any sense?
“Through our established channels, we have already reached out to our members across the country, urging them not to join the coalition. At the appropriate time, we will take decisive action against anyone who attempts to take the PDP for granted.
“Party leaders have been directed to engage members at all levels, reassuring them of the party’s unity and progress. This is to prevent further defections. At the same time, we will assist those who have clearly lost interest in the PDP to leave and join their coalition. We will not allow sabotage. That way, those of us who remain committed can focus on rebuilding and repositioning the party.”
Another top party source said leaders were making efforts behind the scenes to keep the PDP united and intact.
“We are not joking. Why do you think PDP members are now issuing statements distancing themselves from the coalition or the ADC? Do you think they just woke up and decided to do that?
“No, we reached out to them through every available channel. They know the PDP is still a very viable platform, and they understand what is at stake if they associate with the ADC while claiming to be PDP members.
“For those elected on the PDP platform, their tickets will no longer be guaranteed. We will not give our party’s ticket to individuals who support another party, regardless of the name or form it takes.
“The PDP will continue to do its best to ensure its members remain loyal and committed to repositioning the party,” he said.
On his part, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described the decision of anyone to remain in the party while collaborating with the ADC as hypocritical.
He urged those who no longer believed in the party’s ideology to resign before the party takes disciplinary action.
Abdullahi said, “That is hypocrisy and double standards. I don’t expect anybody who understands the significance of allegiance to operate with double standards. If you are dissatisfied with the PDP, then you have no reason to remain loyal to it and another movement. It tells everyone the kind of person you are.
“Anyone who exhibits this kind of behaviour may no longer have the credibility to remain with the PDP. If they want to identify with the ADC, they should resign their PDP membership, just like David Mark did.
“If they are credible enough, if they have any modicum of integrity, that is the honourable thing to do.
“Of course, we are considering disciplinary measures. We are beginning to see reasons to sanction erring members. Anyone who wants to go should go. You cannot express dual allegiance”.
