Jonathan asks Makarfi, Sheriff to step down as party makes plan to defeat APC in 2019

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan has advised Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Senators Ahmed Makarfi to step down as a way to resolve the leadership rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Governor Ayo Fayose-led PDP governors’ forum had met with Jonathan on Tuesday, February 28 as a way of outing an end to the leadership tussle in the party.

Although Makarfi has received support from governors in the party, Sheriff was recognised by an Appeal Court as the chairman of the party.

The Sun reports that sources within the party said the former president asked both men to step down and for the party to forge a new path especially with the coming of the 2019 general elections.

Jonathan also suggested that the governors be left to run the party and put it back to reckoning by nominating a new chairman although it wasn’t known yet if the two warring leaders have accepted the new advice.

Fayose said after the meeting with the former president that the party would try and adopt a political solution rather than court own.

:He said “It is my pleasure to tell you that (Jonathan) is genuinely concerned with what is going on in the party. And, he thought that an interactive session with the governors would go a long way to douse tension.

“One, we want to assure all our supporters that we believe in this party. We believe in the success of this party. We want to appeal to everybody to be wary of making statements that could further worsen the situation. Rather, we should make complimentary statements that can enhance the party the more.”

“Again, we know that there are so many matters before the court. But, we believe that a political solution will go a long way to solve this matter. And I believe in this party; we will all be willing and ready to pursue a political solution, in which, at the end of the day, every interest will be well represented. That was the position of this meeting.”