[Mhiz Rebecca]

The National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) has denied media reports that
it was behind the application for the formation of a
new party, the Advanced Peoples Democratic Party
(APDP) saying that since it enjoys the support of all
organs of the party, it could not have a hand in such
move.
In a statement in Abuja, the spokesman of the
Caretaker committee, Dayo Adeyeye however said
individual members of the party have a right to form
party to actualise their dreams.
“The National caretaker committee of the Peoples
Democratic Party wishes to deny in its entirety, the
news item which went viral last Thursday that the
Committee or any of its members as individuals, are
leading a plan to abandon the Party structure for the
Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff led group, and seek
registration of a new party to be called Advanced
Peoples Democratic Party (APDP).
“We state clearly and without ambiguity that the
National Caretaker Committee of the PDP is not in
anyway involved in the plans to register any party by
the name APDP or any other party for that matter.
“It is unthinkable that the National Caretaker
Committee which without any doubt, enjoys the
support of ALL the recognized Organs of the Party will
contemplate such a move.
“We however acknowledge and recognize the rights of
party members to seek alternative platform to
actualize their political dreams which is an inalienable
right guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
“We also wish to state clearly and without ambiguity
that the National Caretaker Committee is holding
leadership power in the Party in trust for the millions
of Party faithfuls who instituted the Committee at the
National Convention.
“Whatever decision that will be taken on the PDP
brand shall be taken by the owners of the Party, i.e
the Party members at a properly constituted National
Convention, and not by a few individuals no matter
how highly placed.
“For the records, no decision has been taken that the
PDP should be abandoned and a new party formed out
of the current structure. At least, no such proposal is
before the National Caretaker committee as at this
moment.
“We reiterate our belief that the issues before the
Supreme Court will be resolved on the side of truth
and Justice will be served in the interest of peace.
“With the “Political Solution” as the alternative dispute
resolution being suggested by some highly placed
individuals and groups in the Party, albeit, without
prejudice to the Appeal before the Supreme Court,
we will like to appeal for calm among all Party
members and allow the reconciliation efforts to move
forward.
“We are confident that Justice will be served at the
end either through the Court or through the
reconciliation efforts or a combination of both of
them” he said.