Posted by By JACOB EDI, Abuja on
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] on Wednesday gave notice of his resignation as chairman of the party. This is coming just as the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George has been appointed Chairman of the board of the Peoples Democratic Institute [PDI].
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] on Wednesday gave notice of his resignation as chairman of the party. This is coming just as the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George has been appointed Chairman of the board of the Peoples Democratic Institute [PDI].
Ali's resignation finally brought to an end speculations of plans by the Ali-led executive, which also gave notices of their resignation, to prolong their stay in office.
Their resignation on Wednesday at the meeting of the National Working Committee, [NWC], is in line with the party's constitution which requires the NWC members to give notices of their resignation one month to the national convention. March 8 has been fixed as date of the convention.
This constitutional requirement affects all other officers of the party at ward, state, local government and zonal levels.
It will be recalled that Ali and other NWC members, as well as party officers at various party levels had given notices of their resignation before the disagreement between the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), and the PDP that led to the postponement of the party's congresses and national convention in December 2007.
Accordingly, the party reverted its decision on the notice of resignation and all party officials withdrew their notices of resignation.
It was learnt that Wednesday development followed the decision at the National Executive Council (NEC), on Monday which fixed the national convention for March 8.
At the time of this report, some national officers were said to have started clearing their tables, especially those who are going to vie for positions at the December 8 convention.
Confirming the development, acting National Publicity Secretary, Bayo Alao said the development was in line with the party's constitution, adding that it will put paid to speculations that there were plans to prolong the life-span of the Ali-led NWC.
He noted that the party had also adhered to the requirements of the Electoral Act in preparing for the March 8 convention.
Meanwhile, a statement made available to Daily Sun and signed by the PDP National Secretary, Benard Eze, said NEC approved the appointment of Chief Bode George as chairman of the Board of the Peoples Democratic Institute [PDI]
The list also include, Mrs. Marian Ali, wife of the out-going PDP boss, Other members are Dr. Akilu Ndabawa, Professor Lawal Bilbis, Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo, Dr. Haruna Dabin, Adebola Kesha, Ropo Adesanya, Mohammed Bulama, Dr. Umaru Patteh, Mrs Nkoyo Toyo, Chief Olisa Metu, Dr. Hyde Onuaguluchi and Anthony Ubani who will serve as member/secretary.