by ‘Jola Sotubo

Following several failed attempts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the crisis tearing apart the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Abubakar Baraje-led faction has called on the elders of the ruling party to intervene.

The “New PDP” asked the founding members of the PDP to come to its aid lest all their hard work and efforts  in creating it ends up in vain.

Some of the elders envisioned in the plea include party stalwarts like Dr Alex Ekwueme, Prof. Jerry Gana, Chief Audu Ogbe, Chief Barnabas Gemade, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Tony Anenih and former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Leadership reports:

The faction said it was forced to cry out given the “unbelievable silence” of revered party elders against the backdrop of unfolding developments in the party, describing their silence as “unspeakable tragedy.”

The New PDP made the appeal in a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, on Monday in Abuja in which it said: “After a careful review of developments in our troubled party, PDP, the new PDP wishes to make a passionate appeal to PDP elders to take urgent steps to rescue the party from imminent doom.”

“We are forced to cry out because of the unbelievable silence of our revered party elders in the face of the chain of developments.

“PDP’s current challenge was instigated by its national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who has put the party at the edge of the precipice,’’ the statement said.

The faction frowned at the November 11, 2013 suspension of its members namely Abubakar Baraje, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Dr Sam Sam Jaja and Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure, saying their suspension was illegal.

The splinter group also frowned at the invitation of its suspended members to appear before the Umaru Dikko-led Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, adding that the panel was illegally constituted.

The New PDP wondered why the party’s founding fathers who risked their lives during the military regime to ensure its formation had remained silent over its current challenges.

“Why are they maintaining grave and grievous silence and allowing this great institution to be reduced as an opposition political party in their life-time. We weep for our dear party that has become a laughing stock in the comity of nations. What an unspeakable tragedy,’’ the New PDP said.