Abuja — Some angry members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday stormed its National Headquarters in Abuja, protesting against the imposition of leaders within the party.

The angry members, who invaded the national headquarters of the party at about 12am from where they took to the streets of Abuja with placards that read: "We are tired of imposition, 2011: Borno State not for sale," Leadership gathered was aimed at protesting a plan by some influential members of the PDP to destabilise the party executive in the state.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP during the protest, the Borno State youth co-ordinator, Barrister A.A. Modu, said they are in Abuja to protest a plan by some members of their party to dissolve their party executive who were duly elected during the state congress and replace them with their allies.

"The national chairman of the party, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, has been misleading us in conjunction with the women leader and some disgruntled members who are working in order to deliver our party to the opposition."

The youth leader, however, confirmed to our correspondents that four of the protesters have been taken to an office for discussion.

It was gathered that a copy of a petition had earlier been sent to the national chairman of the party regarding to the uncertainty in the party. The petition reads: "Peoples Democratic Party youth, women, elders and local government executive committees of 27 local government areas of Borno State positions as regard recent decision of national working committee.

"We resolved and categorically stated our position with regard to the directives given by the National Working Committee of the party to the zonal chairman to come and swear in another set of local government party chairmen and their executives in Borno State, and disregarded the constitutionally elected party chairmen in the state who have already assumed their constitutional duties since the last party congresses. If you could, recall sometimes in February 2009, we forwarded our letter under reference dated February 9, 2009 which is attached for your consideration".

"We will not agree with anybody to rob our mandate in a broad day light in order to suit an individual interest by conniving with some unpatriotic members to disunite the party and cause disaffection.

"An attempt to remove the already sworn in party chairmen of the 27 local government areas based on the directives given to the zonal vice chairman via a letter dated November 5, 2009 with reference no PDP/NS/NWC/NVC/NE/001-09, signed by the national secretary is illegal, unconstitutional and designed to undermine the rising profile of the party in Borno State. "We re-affirm our full confidence and trust in the ability of the present constituted local government chairmen to successfully manage our party's affairs and lead us to a resounding victory in 2011.

"Henceforth, any decision intended to be taken by the national leadership of the party on any matter regarding the local level of the state should refer to the stake holders of the party for onward recommendation of fruitful advise that would assist the party in moving forward."

The stakeholders are: Alhaji (Dr) Shettima Mustapha, Hon Minister, Hon. Moh'd Sanusi Daggash, Hon (Dr) Moh'd Abba Aji, His Excellency Amb. Saidu Pindar, Alhaji Ibrahim Bunu, Engr. Moh'd Abba Gana and Hon. Moh'd Wakil.