PDP Begs Atiku

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) floated the pitch on Wednesday as it tried again to bring Atiku Abubakar back to its inner caucus, in recognition of the hurt the man still feels after the ‘cash and carry’ Presidential primaries on January 13.

Acting PDP National Chairman, Bello Mohammed, extended the olive branch to the former Vice President and others who lost in other state and federal primaries, urging them to join hands with the party hierarchy to retain power.

A statement Mohammed issued through PDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufai Alkali, said all losers at the primaries and congresses should forgive and forget in the interest of the “best” party in the country.

Muhammed admitted that the task of organising the primaries and congresses was not an easy one, and commended them “in spite of the enormous logistic difficulties and time constraints that attended the exercises.”

He said now that the PDP has submitted its list of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all party members, especially those who failed to get tickets, should eschew bitterness and rancour and support Jonathan and his running mate, Vice President Namadi Sambo.

Muhammed appealed to “all party men and women to realise that, no matter who the candidate of our party is, the ultimate consideration is the (PDP), only party in Nigeria that accommodates all the creeds, cultures, and socio economic tendencies.

 “We are happy that the tortuous process of nomination is now behind us. It is time to move on and confront the challenge posed by our opponents in the forthcoming general elections.

 “With the zeal and enthusiasm demonstrated by our members during the nomination exercise and the transparent manner of our national convention, it is clear that the PDP remains the most organised, most democratic, and most detribalised party in Nigeria.” 

He expressed confidence that Nigerians will continue to identify with the PDP, which represents their interests, and will continue to sustain their trust by ensuring good governance, the rule of law, transparency, justice, and respect for human dignity.

“We look forward to the renewal of our mandate to serve our fatherland in the forthcoming general elections. This is indeed part of our deep commitment to restoring our core values.”