Tukur Rallies Kinsmen To Save Job, Delegates Akpabio, Jang To Beg Jonathan

The National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Bamanga Tukur, has tasked some influential members of the party from his home state, Adamawa, to meet with governors of Akwa Ibom and Plateau states, as he strives to retain his position.
This is part of last-minutes’ efforts aimed at surviving what appears to be storm in his tea cup.

Tukur, who is at risk of a vote of no confidence by the National Executive Committee, NEC, and the National Working Committee, NWC, had earlier boasted that no one could remove him from office, adding that he would complete his tenure regardless of opposition to his style of leadership.
But sensing reality of an abrupt exit, the embattled chairman at his Abuja residence on Tuesday, sought the assistance of a former Corps Marshall – FRSC, Haladu Hanaiya; spokesperson, Adamawa PDP elders Forum, Umar Ardo; and former Governor of Old Gongola State, Wilberforce Juta.

Premium Times reports that Tukur urged them to convince Akpabio and Jang, to put in good words for him before President Goodluck Jonathan, the party’s national leader.
While Akpabio is the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Mr. Jang is the chairman of a faction of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, recognised by the president.

Confirming the development, Ardo disclosed that the team has met with the Plateau helmsman.

“We met with Governor Jang and all I can tell you for now is that the meeting was a huge success,” he said.

With the support of President Jonathan, 78-year old Tukur was elected as PDP National Chairman in March 2012.

His tenure has, however, witnessed many controversies, including allegations that he unilaterally imposed caretaker committees on some state chapters.

The crisis in the party got to the climax late last year, when five governors elected on its platform, as well as some federal lawmakers defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.