PDP: Mistakes cost us Obasanjo, Atiku
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) marked its 17th birthday, yesterday, with leaders of the party lamenting the loss of some of the party’s founding members.
Many of those who have left the party for other platforms did so because they could not withstand the competition in the PDP, the leaders pointed out.
Speaking at the PDP National Secretariat, as part of activities marking the 17th Anniversary, Olisa Metuh, the party’s national publicity secretary, said despite the defection of its notable personalities, the party has survived, in line with the vision and mission of its founding fathers.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and two former PDP national chairmen, Chief Barnabas Gemade and Audu Ogbeh, were among key chieftains of the party that left.
Others that left included Senate President Bukola Saraki, former speakers of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari, Gali Na’Abba, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former governors Rabi’u Kwankwaso (Kano), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto).
Others were governors Abullateef Ahmed (Kwara), Nasir el-Rufa’i (Kaduna) Senator Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), and his Benue State counterpart Samuel Ortom.
Most of them dumped the PDP just before the March/April general elections.
Metuh, who enumerated the party’s achievements in all sectors beginning from 1999 to date, however, said only the voting public can explain why the PDP lost the last elections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While admitting that they had made some mistakes in the past, Metuh said the PDP would provide constructive and viable opposition to the APC-led government at the federal level.
Metuh, however, opined that the PDP lost the presidential election because of breach of power shift pact within the party, adding that all issues relating to why the party lost the elections would be discussed at its national forthcoming convention.
“Some of our members left because of competition. They felt they could not handle that competition while some members felt that they were not well protected when they sought assistance. Some left because we lost election. Others left for selfish reasons while some others left when they felt they were honestly not accommodated in the party.
“As we play our new opposition role, the PDP as a highly responsible party, we will continue to provide a firm but credible opposition, presenting alternatives to the programmes and policies of the present government while firmly standing on the side of the citizens in opposing acts and policies that are inimical to the health of the nation and the happiness of the people.
“We, therefore, call on all wellmeaning Nigerians to continue to support the PDP as it relentlessly pursue and defend those values and tenets that ensure our unity, stability and prosperity as one people under God.”