Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose says the reconciliation move by the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party will not work unless the appeal court decides on it.
Addressing State House correspondents on Thursday, Fayose said PDP governors had not been consulted, while the cases in court had also not been withdrawn.
The party’s factions led by Ahmad Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff had Tuesday expressed their readiness to resolve their crisis.
But Fayose said: “That move, you see, I’m not against anything called resolution within the party, but everybody must wait for court of appeal to resolve this matter. Matters are in court, nobody has withdrawn any matter and they are resolving. What are you resolving? When matters are in court you, allow court to lay them to rest.
“The moment this thing doesn’t go with one side, they’ll tell you we’re still in court. But allow the court to take a stand and reconciliation would be made easy. I’m not against anybody reconciling with each other but when you see that meeting, ask the coverners if governors were briefed. I was not briefed. I’m not the only person in the party, but then, I’ve a stake.”
Asked if he thought the cases in court could not be withdrawn during reconciliation, Fayose responded: “Let’s wait till then. But my opinion is that the Court of Appeal must resolve this matter. When you resolve the matter, you know that I’m wrong and you’re right and reconciliation will be made easy.”
But Abia State Governor Okeze Ikpeazu expressed optimism that the reconciliation move would be a victory for the party and Nigeria.
Ikpeazu said: “In every crisis, there are downsides because nobody will wish and pray for crisis. I think also that moments of crisis are also opportunities for strength, renewed vigor and to reinvent our vision. So, ultimately, I think the PDP has the resilience and what it takes to bounce back as a party.
“There is no doubt that party politics everywhere involves everybody whether you are a founding father or a new member. Political party is built around people and everybody has equal stake. Our interest is Nigeria. Therefore, all strata of people, opinion will be put into consideration because they’re equally important.”
Asked if PDP governors backed the reconciliatory move, Ikpeazu responded: “The important thing is Nigeria and the important thing is democracy. Whether you are a BoT member or a party person, it doesn’t really matter. PDP Governors Forum is not a political party.”
