Convention will determine PDP’s chances in 2019 — Ciroma
A former Minister of Women Affairs and contender for the office of Deputy National Chairman (North) of the PDP, Hajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma, yesterday, said the outcome of the December convention will determine the party’s chances in the 2019 general elections.
She also cautioned party leaders and stakeholders against imposing unpopular candidates on the party, explaining that imposition of individuals was one of the reasons that brought the party to its knees.
Delivering a speech after submitting her expression of interest and nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Ciroma, a former women leader of the party, said the next crop of National Working Committee (NWC) members could not afford to allow the party to derail.
“We lost power and we have seen the difference. Now we have lost election; we must go back to the drawing board to reposition our party. This change they are talking about is not change. PDP will bring positive change. When PDP regains power, women will enjoy.
“So we must take the party back to the people. I am calling on our leaders not to derail on the mission and vision of our founding fathers. If PDP is killed, there is no democracy in Nigeria.
“Women are pleading to be recognised as contributors to this party. Women have paid their dues; we want to be taken seriously. We have ideas that we can contribute to the success of this party. If we get the convention right, PDP has come back. We must avoid imposition which has brought the party to where we are now,” she said.
Speaking with newsmen thereafter, the ex-minister said, “We believe that so many things have gone wrong in the PDP, so we have to chart a new course. We must ensure popular participation.”
Earlier in his welcome speech, the National Oraganising Secretary of PDP, Senator Abdul Ningi, said, “You won’t regret serving this party. I am sure you will offer more than what I am saying. If you happen to win election, no doubt you will win, God willing your focus should be on building this party,” he said.