By Sunday Bamidele
The race for who emerges as the next National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is gradually reaching a crescendo as the party is getting ready for its National Executive Committee (NEC) this month. Since the substantive PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu was suspended by his ward officials and the court subsequently upheld his removal, the Deputy Chairman North of the party, Umar Damagum has been acting in that capacity.
The North Central region of the country, particularly Benue State has made a strong and convincing case that the seat of National Chairman of the PDP should be retained in the area where Dr. Ayu hails from. This argument is backed by relevant sections of the PDP constitution. The position of the Benue State chapter of the party is incontestable! Ayu’s term has to be completed by someone from his place.
In Benue State, a competent, proactive and dynamic young leader has emerged as the popular choice and has made a bold and irresistible bid for the job. He is Engineer Conrad Terhide Utaan, a seasoned professional Engineer, administrator and politician with a bent of integrity and excellence.
Utaan, 47, is not only competent but has youth and energy as attributes to help the PDP connect with the country’s largest voting demographic—those aged 18 to 50, who make up over 72% of the electorate.
Recently, he held favourable consultations with the PDP Zonal Executive Committee of the North Central who appeared to have positioned him as the right candidate for the party’s national chairmanship. And what is more? – zoning and micro-zoning principles within the party also favour Utaan, thereby making him the right candidate for the role, as Benue State’s North West District deserves representation.
Utaan’s candidacy has garnered significant support, with many party faithful hoping and believing that he has what it takes to bring unity and progress to the PDP, close its ranks and return the party to the pathway of election victories.
The last few months have witnessed a flood of endorsements of Engr Utaan by different blocs in the PDP across the land. The wide acceptance of the former State Focal Person of Social Investments Programme (SIP) in Benue State began with chairmen of the PDP in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State who unanimously endorsed Utaan as the sole nominee to replace Dr Ayu as the National Chairman of the party.
During a press conference held in Makurdi, the PDP LGA chairmen declared their collective decision to support Utaan, emphasizing that their choice reflects their commitment to ensuring that the laws of the party are upheld above individual and group interests. “It is our considered opinion that in continuation of, and fulfillment of the decision for equity, fairness and justice, a candidate from Zone ‘B’ of Benue State be the one to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman. And having considered the fact that there is only one aspirant from the Benue Zone ‘B’ Senatorial District in the race to replace Dr. Ayu, we take the stand that the candidate be accorded the privilege of being the SOLE NOMINEE of the PDP from Benue State to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman”..
Similarly, the elected officials of the PDP in the Benue North-West (Zone ‘B’) Senatorial District, rising from their Zonal Meeting held on 21st October, 2024 at the PDP State Secretariat located along Abdullahi Shelleng Road, High Level, Makurdi, issued a communique which read in parts thus: “As provided in Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended) the replacement for Dr. Iyorchia Ayu should be made from the North-Central Geo-political Region of Nigeria, in general, and Benue State, in particular, to maintain our great party’s commitment to equity, justice, and fairness as the core principles upon which the party is founded.
Another solid endorsement of Engr Utaan’s candidacy came from the Benue PDP Youth Forum (BPDPYF). The group stated unequivocally that: “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”.
The engineer’s candidacy has received a favourable appeal across the country. Only last week, a group of like-minded people wrote from Jos, Plateau State through their coordinator, Andrew Longyem, endorsing Utaan as the next PDP National Chairman. The group raised a number of strong points on why the PDP needs Utaan as the next Chairman.
The aspirant is a beacon of hope and progressive change, which accounts for why he is garnering widespread support from various groups across different states. His aspiration to become the next National Chairman of the PDP is not merely a personal ambition; it is a reflection of the collective desire for a leader who embodies integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.
Conrad Utaan’s extensive background in engineering and management equips him with a unique skill set that is essential for effective political leadership. His professional journey is marked by significant achievements in both the public and private sectors, showcasing his ability to implement complex projects and navigate challenging environments. This experience translates into a profound understanding of party administration, general governance, resource management, and strategic planning—skills that are vital for steering the PDP in a direction that aligns with the aspirations of its members and the Nigerian populace.
Utaan’s vision for the PDP is quite fascinating. His blueprint for the party revolves around unity, reform, and revitalization. He recognizes the need for the party to adapt to the evolving political landscape and to re-establish its position as a formidable force in Nigerian politics. His strategy includes fostering collaboration among party members, promoting transparency, and creating a more democratic process within the party’s decision-making structures. By prioritizing these values, Utaan aims to restore public trust and encourage broader participation in the political process.
Youth Empowerment: One of Utaan’s standout qualities is his uncommon commitment to empowering the youth and women within the party and the broader society. He understands that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its young people, and he is dedicated to providing them with the opportunities and platforms they need to thrive.
He is a champion of unity. He embarks on this journey to become the national chairman of the PDP, he has been calling for unity among party members. He believes that the strength of the PDP lies in its diversity and the collective efforts of its members. Utaan understands that the strength of the PDP lies in its diversity of voices, prioritizing stakeholder engagement, ensuring that every member—be it at the state, local government, or ward level—feels represented and heard.
By utilizing digital platforms and social media, Utaan will expand outreach, allowing for broader participation in discussions about the party’s direction. This inclusive approach will empower stakeholders to contribute ideas and solutions, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the party’s goals.
He is committed to healing any divisions within the party. He believes that a united front is essential for electoral success and effective governance. To this end, he will initiate reconciliation programmes that bring together various factions within the PDP. By promoting a culture of forgiveness and collaboration, Utaan aims to build a cohesive team that works towards common objectives.
Engineer Utaan stands out as the best candidate for the role of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. His impressive background, broad-based support, and clear vision for the future position him as the leader the party needs during this pivotal time.
*Bamidele writes from Ibadan, Oyo State