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National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali, said yesterday that he was still consulting with the major stakeholders in the party on the suitability or otherwise for him to vie for the post of national chairman of the party.
Prof Alkali said that this clarification had become necessary following media reports that he had joined the race for the party’s top position which was zoned to the Northeast geo-political zone.
In a statement that he personally signed yesterday, Professor Alkali said he would make his position known on the issue after all consultations had been concluded.
“I wish to once again reiterate my earlier pledge that I shall continue to offer quality services to the party in my current position as national publicity secretary. I shall, however, make my position known on this issue after all consultations have been concluded,” he said.
The party publicity scribe said that following media reports linking him with the contest, he had received several phone calls from political associates, colleagues and leaders across the country who wanted clarification on the position of things.
While appreciating their concern, Alkali said that the newspaper reports could have emanated from permutations based on the fact that the office had been zoned to the north- east zone where he hailed from.
“Furthermore, it could also have been that the newspaper reports are relying on the fact that, as a member of the National Working Committee from that zone, it may not be out of place to show interest in the office.
“However, as an integral part of the inner workings of the PDP system, I should know the processes of announcing one’s intentions for contesting an elective position at the party or any related position of public office.
“In this regard, before any weighty decision is taken, it is my duty and responsibility to first of all undertake full and elaborate consultations with respected stakeholders at all levels, including leaders and members of the Board of Trustees, my own state governor, elders and leaders of the party in Gombe State, the north-east zone and other leaders nationwide,” he said.