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PDP shops for Ogbeh's replacement

Posted by SIMON IBE, Snr. Political Editor and NDIDI OKAFOR, Deputy Political Editor, Abuja on 2005/01/06 | Views: 573 |

PDP shops for Ogbeh's replacement


THE search for the successor of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbeh, is said to have been narrowed down to a retired military officer and former minister from Kogi State.

THE search for the successor of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbeh, is said to have been narrowed down to a retired military officer and former minister from Kogi State.

Kogi State is in the north central zone, same as Chief Ogbeh's Benue.

The hint came as speculation is rife that Ogbeh's deputy, Iro Safana and PDP National Treasurer Kareto Lawan, are soon to be probed.

The search was intensified following Ogbeh's speculated resignation which takes effect from January 26, this year.

It was also gathered that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has started planning a valedictory party in honour of Chief Ogbeh, which will take place after the ongoing hajj (muslim pilgrimage).

His successor would hold the forte till November when the party will hold its National Convention to elect new executive members.

A source said since Chief Ogbeh was not suspended at Tuesday's NEC meeting as planned and is now willing to resign, the vacancy will be filled according to the provisions of the party's constitution, by some- one from his zone.

These developments, are however, coming against the background of continuing denial of Ogbeh's resignation by his aide, Mr. Thompson Abu, who told Daily Champion yesterday that "if the chairman wants to leave, he'll leave immediately.

"He is not hungry for chairmanship; he is not somebody who will give a post dated letter of resignation."

According to Abu, "if God spares our lives, Chief Ogbeh will stay on as chairman till the party's convention in November."

However, a top PDP officer, who confirmed that Ogbeh had accepted to resign, said the NEC would meet to appoint his replacement from the North Central zone, who would hold the forte till the party's convention elects a new chairman.

The chairmanship position is zoned to the North Central and Ogbeh's predecessors from the area were Chief Solomon Lar (Plateau) and Chief Barnabas Gemade (Benue).

There had been speculations that Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, PDP's National Deputy Chairman (South); Chief Olabode George, the National Vice Chairman (South-West); Chief Yomi Edu, a former Minister for Special Duties and Dr. Bode Olajumoke, all from the South-West zone, were being tipped to replace Ogbeh, but the party source said these chieftains, who are said to be active contenders to the party chairmanship would have to wait till the convention.

Daily Champion also learnt that a probe would soon be set up to try Ogbeh's deputy, Safana, the national treasurer Lawan and the national organising secretary, Inua Labaran.

A source noted last night that the trio may be indicted by the panel given the "avalanche of documents and apparent overwhelming evidence in the kitty of NEC to try them successfully."

Besides, they are said to be loyalists of an ambitious PDP top shot and would therefore not be spared if found guilty by the proposed panel.

Specifically, the source claimed that the national treasurer appears to have more questions to answer regarding the finances of the party and would soon be summoned before a relevant panel to speak on the state of PDP's treasury.

Col. Ali is said to be President Obasanjo's favourite for the chairmanship position, since he had worked with him and can vouch for his loyalty.

The retired officer had contested the position before unsuccessfully, but the president, sources said, believes that with him, he can take over the party machinery and effectively checkmate the touted stranglehold of Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the party as well as the number two citizen's widely speculated presidential ambition.

It was earlier alleged that Alhaji Safana had been pencilled down for Ogbeh's job, but was dropped, because of his loyalty to a named party top shot.

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