- The race for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship is gathering momentum
- One man whose aspiration is shaky is that of Professor Tunde Adeniran
- Professor Adeniran is said not be in the good books of the American government due to his past records
A report by Vanguard indicates that the United States government is keenly monitoring the PDP's national convention and who may eventually emerge as the party’s national chairman.
According to the report, one of the aspirants, Professor Tunde Adeniran, has a huge mountain to climb due to his past records in the US.
Professor Adeniran who was formerly nominated as an ambassador to the United States but was then rejected by the US government is said not to be in their good books.
These are not the best of times for Professor Adeniran in his quest to be the PDP chairman. Photo credit: TACO
READ ALSO: PDP national chairmanship aspirants sign peace accord
The report quoted an unnamed member of the US Foreign Mission in Nigeria saying that the United States government and its affiliate organizations may not work with the PDP if Adeniran becomes the chairman.
“The decision of rejecting a designated ambassador is a serious and sensitive one especially as such move may sever the relationship between both countries.
“For him (Professor Tunde Adeniran) to have been rejected, it means the US government was faced with facts of grave accusations against him and have explored all options.
“It will be extremely difficult for the party (PDP) to build any relationship with the US government or any of its affiliates and allies if he (Adeniran) will be leading the party,” he said.
In 2009, Professor Adeniran who was nominated by late President Yar’Adua became the first ambassadorial nominee by Nigeria to be rejected by the US government.
A report in 2009 claimed that Adeniran’s son alongside two others were accused of false imprisonment and conspiracy to commit ra*e in Baltimore, Maryland, being part of the reasons why Adeniran was rejected.
Meanwhile, PDP leaders from the north have advised delegates from the region to only vote aspirants from the southwest region for the chairmanship position in the upcoming national convention of the party scheduled for Saturday, December 9.
This was the position of the Northern Elders and Leaders Forum after a marathon meeting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Thursday, November 30.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and seen by NAIJ.com, the forum which was well attended by notable elders and leaders of the party from all the states of the northern region, noted that capable and competent aspirants from the southwest should be identified and supported for the chairmanship position.
READ ALSO: PDP chairmanship race: Gbenga Daniel endorsed by key southeast stakeholders
Nigerians want PDP back in 2019 - Goodluck Jonathan declares at PDP Caucus Meeting on - NAIJ.com TV
Source: Naija.ng