Muhammad Sani Gambo, a prominent political figure and the first runner-up in the recent state Congress of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, is urging the National Working Committee of the party to officially appoint him as the state’s chairman. This plea comes in response to the disqualification of the current chair, Enemona Anyebe, by a court ruling. During a press conference at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lokoja, Gambo characterized Anyebe as an impostor and called on security agencies to arrest him if he continues to present himself as the chairman. Gambo expressed deep concern over the alleged undemocratic methods employed by Anyebe and his supporters to seize leadership within the state’s PDP, emphasizing the critical need for the party to remain a viable opposition force in Nigeria during a tumultuous political climate.
Gambo’s key contention centers around the assertion that the last state Congress was conducted transparently, with all results accepted except for the controversial office of the state chairman. According to him, their party was legally bound to refrain from screening Anyebe due to a court order that barred him from contesting, which remains unvacated to this day. Stressing the importance of democracy and member representation, Gambo lamented the actions of those undermining the will of PDP constituents in Kogi State. He insists that principles of fairness, justice, and equity must govern the party’s actions, especially in light of the current opposition’s role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Highlighting the turbulent history surrounding Anyebe, Gambo noted that Anyebe faced multiple suspensions from party positions in 2019 and 2024 due to alleged anti-party activities. These suspensions were upheld by various party executives, raising doubts about Anyebe’s legitimacy as chairman. Gambo claims that Anyebe’s continuity in this role defies multiple court rulings and internal party decisions that have previously acknowledged the validity of these suspensions. Consequently, he questions how Anyebe could still serve as the state’s chairman, particularly when the court had withdrawn the nomination forms for him to contest for the position.
In Gambo’s view, the legitimacy of party leadership and adherence to due process are paramount for the PDP to maintain credibility and trust among its members and the broader public. He firmly believes that any erosion of these principles will not only harm the party’s image but also jeopardize its capacity to act as a check on the ruling government. Furthermore, Gambo’s insistence on a fair leadership selection process reflects broader concerns within the political party about maintaining democratic norms and reinforcing the party’s foundational values amidst internal strife.
Despite the serious allegations and the call for action from the PDP’s National Working Committee, efforts to reach Anyebe for his comments on the accusations have not yielded results. When approached by Arewa PUNCH, Anyebe indicated he would respond but has yet to do so, leaving his stance largely unaddressed in the face of Gambo’s pressing claims. This lack of engagement raises questions regarding transparency and accountability within the party’s leadership, as members and supporters await clarity on the legitimacy of Anyebe’s continued chairmanship in light of the court ruling.
In conclusion, Gambo’s appeal for the National Working Committee to heed his call for swearing him in as the state chairman stems from a desire to restore democratic order within the Kogi State PDP. His accusations against Anyebe could have profound implications for the party’s political machinations, especially considering the legal backdrop that has implicated Anyebe in further controversy. As Gambo calls for unity against “haters of democracy,” the need for decisive action by the PDP’s national leadership has never been more pressing. The unfolding developments will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the PDP in Kogi State and its role within the larger context of Nigerian politics amidst ongoing challenges.
