The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called on members of the party to support the new National Chairman of the party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Osaro Onaiwu, the Coordinator of the Forum.
The governors, according to the statement, stated that the choice of Sheriff was in the best interest of the party.
It stated that while it was normal for dissent in a large and national party like the PDP, members should not lose sight of the bigger picture.
It explained that the larger picture was to re-strategise ahead of 2019 and for forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states.
“It has come to our notice that some members of our great party have expressed their reservations on the emergence of the new National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff.
“As is expected, not everybody can be on the same page in such matters even though of the same party.
“We wish to appeal to our members to keep the bigger picture in mind, which is to reposition ahead of 2019 with individuals that have the track record in power play.
“It is in this regard that our esteemed members should think carefully before joining the crowd of those saying death to the PDP,” it said.
The forum added that as a national party, it was important that every matter concerning the PDP was looked at from all sides and not just the negative narrative of the opposition party.
“None of our leaders has been arraigned for terrorism-related charges unlike some leaders of the ruling party; it is this we should take clear cognisance of.
“There is no way the international community will not, at least, have an idea of those who have aided and funded Boko Haram,” it stated.
The governors stated that for PDP to make the expected headway, its members must remain united.
According to them, we must discuss our disagreements as a family and refrain from joining those whose desire is to see that the party’s resurgence never happens.
They also explained that Sheriff was picked to complete the tenure of the North-East as specified by the party’s Constitution and to organise a national convention for the election of substantive officers.