The Plateau state congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have come and gone. They were done at wards, Local Government and State levels basically to entrench structures preparatory to 2023 and future elections. Prior to the conduct of the congresses, somehow, the party was passing through debilitating times and engulfed in crisis of interests brewed by some members who were aggrieved. From their standpoint, there were palpable injustices that characterized the congresses held in August 2020 which resulted in the emergence of the Hon. Chris Hassan led EXCO. All wasn’t too well at that period. Litigations, parallel structures and misunderstandings marred the aftermath of the congresses leading to uncertainties and other problems doting here and there. When the Chris Hassan led EXCO stepped aside to allow for the conduct of a fresh congress, a caretaker committee was set up under the chairmanship of Sen. Tunde Ogbeha. Literally and thankfully, the were able to tour the 3 senatorial zones making up the state on a mission to calm frayed nerves, resolve party disputes and reconcile warring factions. They did an outstanding job and culminated their assignment by conducting a free, transparent and fair congresses at Langfield Jos. Delegates came en masse across the 17 Local Governments and voted for the candidates of their choice. It was fascinating to see party members, loyalists and stakeholders happily casting their votes and discussing the way forward for the party. The election lasted for literally 2 days and thereafter, Hon. Chris Hassan re-emerged the state party chairman again on Monday the 27th of October 2021. The new EXCOs were immediately sworn in and they immediately swung into action to stir the affairs of the party.

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

Firstly, it’s my pleasure to congratulate the Hon. Chris Hassan led EXCO. I wish them all the best as they re-start another herculean task of not only projecting our great party in positive light but also ensuring the party is well rooted, strong, firm and ready in all ramifications to contest and win future elections. To my mind, there is no victor nor vanquished. My joy knew no bounds when Hon. Bitrus Kaze hugged and congratulated Chris Hassan. That’s how democracy works and that was an excellent demonstration of sportsmanship. The past might be gloomy and cloudy but the future remains bright. Now is the time to continue the work of uniting party members, burying our differences and planting healthy, productive and evergreen seeds that will in turn produce a bigger and better future for our great party. We were pushed into the cesspit of internal wrangling, uncertainties and light confusion. The whirlwind came with force to destabilize us but thankfully we didn’t fall flat. We stood with our hopes high and expected a win-win outcome. It literally came to pass. Politics has its hiccups. Challenges come and go. Party goes through crisis at certain times and levels. That’s always expected. What makes us strong is our ability to courageously face our crisis moments and work together to proffer solutions. The future of PDP looks great for the most part and carries enormous promises, potentials and golden opportunities. I encourage us all to be visionary, steadfast, humble and peaceful while organizing and oiling our machineries to be the party to beat in 2023 and beyond. The Hon. Chris Hassan led EXCO deserves our overwhelming support as they do what needs to be done. I equally encourage Hon. Bitrus Kaze and those who couldn’t make it to see their roles in building the party as sacrosanct. You all are invaluable assets to the party and when we reason together, success will pitch tent with us.
Finally, as we prepare for 2023 and future elections, the indomitable spirit of our great party must be rekindled and our aspirations should reflect the unity and progress we are known to pursue. Let us not be intimidated and cowed by the whims and caprices of the ruling party. Ours is to do our best in democratic and politically sensible manner. But in doing so, we must not throw away the courage to stand upright and defend our interest. PDP’s hour has come.

Written by:
Alfred Dapal Damiyal
Abuja

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Opinion: The Aftermath of Plateau State PDP Congresses and a Look into the Future – By Alfred Dapal Damiyal