The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party has explained why it reversed itself and expressed support for Ali Modu Sheriff as the National Chairman of the party.

The BOT had on Monday dismissed Mr. Sheriff as not being credible to lead the party, but on Tuesday recanted its decision and pledged its support.

The board, in a communique after its meeting on Thursday, explained that the unity, cohesion and future successes of the party necessitated a review of its earlier position.

The board however emphasised that Mr. Sheriff and all current members of the National Working Committee must vacate their positions to give way to new leadership within the three months.

In the communique signed by a former Deputy Senate of the President, Ibrahim Mantu, the Board also reaffirmed its full confidence in its acting Chairman, Walid Jibrin.

The communique reads: “The BOT reviewed the commitment made on its behalf at the Stake- Holders meeting which was convened by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator lke Ekweremadu, which resolved that Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who was elected by NEC at its last meeting be allowed 3 months tenure within which period Congresses and National Convention will hold to elect new leaders of the party at all levels.

“The BOT, which is the conscience of the party, has the moral capital to re—invent the party due to its unity of purpose and internal cohesion. In this connection, inspite of the initial position taken by the BOT, its desire to ensure the unity, cohesion and future successes of the party has necessitated a review of its earlier position.

“Consequently, it resolved to adopt the decisions taken at the Stake—Holders meeting. It however, urges the full and sincere implementation of all the decisions / programmes agreed upon at the Stake—Holders meeting of Wednesday February, 23rd 2016.

“In this regard, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and all current members of the National Working Committee must vacate their positions to give way to new leadership within the 3 months time frame.

“We also reiterate our commitment to continue to work with other respected stake-holders of the party.

“We appeal to our teeming members and supporters worldwide to remain steadfast as our capacity to reposition the party positively is unquestionable. We thereby reaffirm our full confidence in our acting Chairman Sen. Walid Jubrin.”

Meanwhile,the party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, also approved the conduct of congresses for Edo State Chapter of the party.

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Ibrahim Mantu: Why PDP BoT decided to support Sherrif’s chairmanship