A rebel faction in Nigeria’s ruling party on Thursday called for sweeping inhouse reforms, prompting the suspension of its its leaders, in a clear sign of cracks ahead of the 2011 presidential vote.
Hundreds of supporters of the group — the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Reform Forum — met in the capital Abuja and called for “far-reaching internal reforms”.
“PDP must revisit all facets of our party constitution that militate against transparency and internal democracy within the party and effect immediate reforms,” the dissenting group said.
Shortly afterwards, the party announced the suspension of the group’s leadership which include former speakers of the Senate and lower house of parliament, Ken Nnamani and Aminu Bello Masari.
The rebel group is led by some of the party’s senior officials — including powerful former state governors and ex-cabinet ministers.
The party said it was suspending 19 officials because they refused to appear for a discplinary hearing on Thursday “in a calculated attempt to disregard lawful directives …(and) to continue to ridicule the party”.
The PDP had on Wednesday alleged the group was involved in a “scheme to subject our great party to disrepute, contempt and hatred”.
Nigeria, the most populous country on the African continent heads to the polls next year to elect a president when ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua’s term expires.
While he lay stricken in a hospital bed for months, Yar’Adua was in February succeeded by his deputy Goodluck Jonathan.
Since his departure for treatement for a heart ailment almost five months ago, Yar’Adua has not been seen in public and his current state of health is subject of speculation.