Embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “National Chairman” Ali Modu Sheriff has blasted Governor Ayodele Fayose over his comments on the leadership tussle in the main opposition party, PDP.

The statement according to the Nation was made in response to Fayose’s claim that there was a covert plan by Sheriff to obtain the 2019 presidential ticket of the party. And that Sheriff was wooing party members with the vice presidential ticket.

At a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, 23rd of June, 2016, Sheriff said: “I am ashamed at the way and manner Fayose is conducting himself in the country. I was once a governor; so, I know that the position of governor is a very serious one that demands responsible behaviour”.

He denied scheming for the party’s presidential ticket, saying: “I never told anybody I wanted to run for president and I did not promise anybody the vice presidential ticket. I have decided not to join issues with Fayose.”

To buttress his claim to the chairmanship of the party, Sheriff said the National Working Committee (NWC) under him is in charge of the bank accounts of the PDP, not the Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee.

“Myself and the Treasurer who is also a member of the NWC are signatories to the bank accounts of the PDP. Makarfi may also open another account in the name of his caretaker committee if he wished,” Sheriff said.

The former Borno State governor said he had forgiven Makarfi and his committee members for what he called their failed attempt to take over the party and invited them to rejoin the PDP under his leadership.

Said he: “There is only one PDP, which is the one under my leadership. Anyone who thinks that the Makarfi, contraption can work is deceiving himself. I am the only chairman of the PDP recognised by the courts, the constitution and the Electoral Act.

“I became chairman because the PDP chose me to lead the party. So, I won’t sit by and watch some people mess up the party. I am here to correct what had gone wrong with state congresses conducted by the party.”

Sheriff inaugurated a committee to conduct a primary to pick a candidate for the party in the upcoming Edo governorship election. The PDP has hold a primary which Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu won.