By Peter Duru, Makurdi

A coalition of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, youths under the aegis of Benue PDP Youth Forum, BPDPYF, has endorsed the candidature of Conrad Utaan from the state, for the position of the National Chairman of the party.

The coalition explained that it came to the choice after a thorough search and retrospect on issues concerning the party.

Addressing the madia Monday in Makurdi, the President of BPDPYF, Prince Tyodoo Livinus, flanked by leaders of the coalition, also passed confidence votes on the acting National Chairman of the party, Amb. Umar Damagum for his leadership and the leader of the party in the state, former Governor Samuel Ortom and urged him to “be steadfast to fastrack the rebuilding and rebranding process of the PDP in Benue.”

The coalition noted that having carefully observed and x-rayed recent developments in the party “with keen interest especially as it concerns the dwindling fortunes of our dear party the PDP in Nigeria, pre and post 2023,  we have  arrived at the decision to join hands with other leaders of the party to rebuild, strengthen, reunite and reposition our party to regain its lost glory to win future elections in Nigeria .

“We have also come to terms that to achieve the aforementioned, our party needs a de-tribalized, tireless, vibrant,  young, energetic, hardworking and committed member of the party from the North Central geopolitical zone of the country to pilot the affairs of the party so as to unite men and women, young and the elderly to set aside their differences, diverse interests and come together to reclaim the lost glory of our party.

“So after a thorough search and retrospect, we found a grassroot mobilizer, a man of the people, a charismatic leader,  Engr. Conrad Utaan with the desired qualities and we make bold at this juncture to endorse his candidature for the exalted position of the National Chairman of our party, the PDP .

“The decision is predicated on the fact that Utaan is well schooled, he is an all rounder, he is both the man of the youth and the elderly. He has what it takes to bring together all aggrieved members of the party to resolve all differences on a round table. He represents a true Nigerian without tribal and religious sentiments , he is humble and easy going and above all , he is loved by all.

“In addition to his robust educational background, leadership qualities, political sagacity and indefatigable spirit, Engr. Utaan is favoured by zoning. He is not only from North Central Nigeria , he is from Benue and the only aspirant from Benue North West Senatorial District (zone B) where the immediate past national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu hails from and should be considered the consensus candidate to replace the immediate past National Chairman.

“It is in line with the doctrine of the PDP and a non negotiable fact that the North Central should complete their tenure that has been truncated following the suspension of Dr. Ayu by his Igyorov Council Ward EXCO and subsequent removal and it should also be non negotiable that the Zone B people of Benue state where Ayu hails from, should replace him.

“Let it be on record that any member of the PDP outside the Zone B axis of Benue where the ousted Chairman of the PDP hails from who is aspiring to replace Dr. Ayu is either trying to violate the long existing doctrine of our party or being greedy and should be advised to drop such ambitions without fear or favour. 

“To those raising concerns that Engr. Utaan is relatively young and inexperience,  we put it to you that leadership is not gerontocracy and the wisdom of Solomon will always triumph on the age of Methuselah . 

“We also congratulate our party members who have emerged victorious in the just concluded ward and local government congresses of the PDP in Benue and Nigeria at large. PDP will no doubt bounce back in 2027.”