PDP dissolves NEC, appoints Makarfi caretaker chairman, zones 2019 presidential slot to North

The National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday dissolved its National Executive Council, National Working Committee (NWC) and set up a seven-man Caretaker Committee.
The motion to dissolve the party’s NEC and NWC was moved by Mr Austin Opara, a former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and seconded by Mr Emeka Ihedioha, also a former Deputy Speaker of the house.
Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers and Chairman of the party`s National Convention Committee put a the question and the motion was affirmed by the delegates.
The convention also approved another motion to set aside decisions taken by the NWC; and also zoned its presidential candidate for 2019 election to the north.
The motion was moved by Dr Babangida Aliyu, a former governor of Niger and seconded by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta.
The convention also set up a seven-man caretaker committee headed by Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, while Sen. Ben Obi was appointed as its secretary.
The committee was given three months to organise a new National Convention to elect new national officers.
The delegates also barred the committee members from contesting any position in the next convention.
Makarfi, in his speech, said he accepted to serve because it was about the unity of the party and progress of the country.
“ I humbly accept this challenge and I do so, on behalf of other members of the committee. Other members of the committee were nominated on trust,” he said.
Makarfi assured that the committee would serve and bring unity to the party.
“I assure you, you will have no cause to worry. None of us is seeking for any office.
“ We are here to serve and bring unity to our party. I call on all aggrieved party men and women to give us a chance to rebuild our party to give hope to Nigeria and black race,” Makarfi said.
The other members of the committee were Sen. Odion Ugbesie, Sen. Abdul Ningi, Mr Kabir Usman, Mr Dayo Adeyeye and Alhaja Aisha Aliyu.