Dare Babalola
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has vowed to hold its inaugural National Executive meeting at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18, despite apparent opposition from rival factions.
Turaki and his supporters expressed readiness to defend their rights and the party’s integrity, even if it means laying down their lives.
Turaki made the announcement on Monday after submitting a petition at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Garki, Abuja, against expelled National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and other perceived “saboteurs”.
He warned that party members are prepared to defend their rights and the party’s integrity, citing the Nigerian Constitution.
“We are going there. We’ll have those open, and then begin to perform the process. I have assured the Commissioner of Police of FCC that we will ensure that we go there to defend ourselves and our integrity as Nigerians,” Turaki said.
He added, “We are prepared to lay down our lives to defend our party and democracy. We will go there, to move into our headquarters, to conduct our official functions, and if anybody tries to prevent us, then we pray for them tomorrow.”
Turaki urged party members to assemble at the secretariat at 10am, saying, “I, as the national chairman of PDP, will be leading from the front, not from the rear.”
He added that the police assured them of adequate protection, and he expects a peaceful assembly. “We’ll be there hoping that the police will make sure that they give us all the ample protection that we’re entitled to under the law,” Turaki said.
The meeting, scheduled for 10am, is expected to be a test of strength for Turaki’s leadership, as he seeks to chart a new course for the party amidst allegations of anti-party activities and factionalism.
Earlier, a faction of the party led by Abdulrahman Mohammed announced emergency meetings of its Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) on the same date and same premises.
The meeting was called by the faction’s National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike,
