The National Vice Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have distanced themselves from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa and other chieftains of the party who have been indicted in the $2.1 billion arms deal fraud.
The PDP Vice Chairmen also expressed their support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption.
This was contained in a communique released by PDP Vice Chairman, South-South, Dr Cairo Ojougboh after a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, according to The Nation.
It reads:
“The body notes with great concern the various allegations and charges against some PDP members that served in the previous government.”
“Even as these allegations and charges are yet to be proved, we call on the President to also investigate some of his serving ministers and associates that even more grievous allegations have been levelled against.”
“Furthermore, we reaffirm that mediocres will no longer be allowed to govern the affairs of the party. Power will now be returned to the people at the grassroots.”
“We make bold to say that those who are corrupt have left the party and those who left are indisputably mercenaries and soldiers of fortune. That in spite of having lost the presidential election, the PDP remains the largest party in Nigeria and Africa and we intend to keep it so.”
“That the vast majority of PDP members at the grassroots are innocent and not corrupt and accordingly, we frown at and reject the notion and tagging of the PDP as a corrupt party. That Nigerians will realise soon that the PDP remains the only viable choice for the unity and progress of Nigeria.”
“The body hereby commends our governors who are the leaders in the states and reiterate our call on them to remain resolute and steadfast.”
The PDP has also said that it will suspend any of its members who are convicted of corruption.
Dasuki is at the center of the massive money laundering investigation and is alleged to have supervised the looting of the funds which were meant for the procurement of arms for Nigeria's military.
He was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on December 1, 2015 and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the day after.
