We’re Concerned, But Not Deterred, PDP Leaders React To Speculation Of Defection By Some Govs.
•By Admin
ABUJA – Amidst speculation of defection by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, the party leadership has expressed concern but said it’s not deterred.
The party has also said that its candidate in the Anambra state governorship election slated for November, Sir Jude Ezenwafor, was getting the desired support from the party and would coast to victory at the poll.
The National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stated this on Thursday in Abuja, while fielding questions from newsmen in at a pre-convention briefing.
Asked if the party is not concern that it’s governors are leaving while embarking on its National Convention, Ologunagba said, “so you ask if we’re concerned, yes, we’re concerned as a political party, but we are not deterred. Because, like I said, and I will refer to that again, the train for the 2025 elective conviction of the PDP figuratively has arrived at the Ibadan.”
He further said: “Let me say this, and I think it’s a good question because, again, it underscores the interest of Nigerians. Now, that the stories of defection or possible defection, that is catching the attention of Nigerians, is exactly what’s on the party that we a political master.
“We’ve done things this way before, but because of the foundation of the PDP that is strong, solid, based on the people. And that’s why we have reasons to believe that we are the only truly democratic party in this country, that is based on ideas, that is based on convictions, and is based on policies.”
He also said: “It’s been on record here in this country that Vice-Presidents of this country is leaving this party. We have presidents from this country, under this platform, that are shown interest of leaving the party. But that doesn’t mean those are never the active part of the party. But the party remains. So that is the message to Nigeria.”
Ologunagba, however said that the people are actually the strength of the political party, particularly the PDP.
Speaking further on Anambra election, Ologunagba said that the party believed in its candidate to galvanise the required support to emerge victorious.
The PDP spokesman, who said that the party would also stand by its candidate to deliver, added that “I think what matters is whether or not the candidate is getting the necessary support from the national secretariat, absolutely yes. Do we believe in the candidate, absolutely yes. But we won’t reveal our winning strategy here. However, we are mobilizing and we are ready for the contest.”
Earlier, Ezenwafor said he was ready for debate and has bounced back to continue from where he stopped.
Recalls that the PDP candidate narrowly survived an assassination attempt on his life, he thanked the chairman of the PDP governors forum, Governor Bala Mohammed and other party members for being there for him.
Ezenwafor, who dispelled defection rumour restated his readiness to contest and win the Anambra election saying: “For many years, he had been a major stakeholder in the last 28 years in the state, who grew from being a youth leader to Organising Secretary and now a governorship candidate.
Also at a meeting in readiness for the national convention slated for Ibadan in November, the NCOS Entertainment /Welfare Sub-Committee met.
Giving her address, Its Chairman, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District said the members of the committee were carefully selected across the states.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan the committee was ready to deliver, saying “We will make sure that no region is left out as the best of PDP would be witnessed,”
She challenged Nigerians who are searching for a party to exercise their political participation to choose the PDP.
The party National Woman Leader, Dr. Mrs Amina Darasimi Bryhm, told newsmen that the inaugural meeting went well, saying the PDP was not joking and that it is currently putting finishing touches.
She then reminded members that entertainment and welfare is very key, asking members to be up and doing.
•INDEPENDENTNG.