The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has extended an olive branch to members of the Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led faction of the party, asking them to return to the fold just as it reiterated its resolve to leave all the ‘issues’ behind and forge ahead as one big united party.
The latest appeal is coming on the heels of the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise the Bamanga Tukur-led executive as the authentic leadership of the PDP.
In a statement signed on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, the ruling said, “Following the upholding of the leadership of the PDP under the National Chairmanship of Alhaji (Dr.) Bamanga Tukur by INEC, the party has extended an olive branch to the Abubakar Baraje-led breakaway group urging them to return to the fold.”
The PDP added that the rejection of the Baraje faction by INEC “has indeed laid to rest all contentions regarding the authentic leadership of our great party.
“However, we wish to state categorically that this is not a time for us to gloat or preen ourselves over victory. We must use this window of opportunity to engender true reconciliations, put all the issues behind us and move ahead as one big united family that we are,” Mr. Metuh said.
He also appealed to members of the New PDP, which include seven serving governors, ex-governors, a former vice-president, senators and House of Representatives’ members among others, to shun all personal interests and return to the mainstream PDP so that together, they can ward off all external aggressions and forge a common formidable political front.
“We wish to assure that the PDP as the only true national party is large enough to accommodate all interests and persons as we remain loyal to the provisions of our constitution as a party,” he said.
“We must at this time close ranks and rally around President Goodluck Jonathan and our leaders at all levels so that collectively, we will ensure that our great party delivered on its mandate and promises as enshrined in the PDP manifesto, the ideals of our founding fathers and the Transformation Agenda of the PDP-led government for the overall good of our people.
“The challenges of the last few months, rather than detract, have proven that the PDP remains the pre-eminent party that will continue to win elections at all levels in the country.”
The statement enjoined all party leaders, elders and members of the PDP across board to continue to support President Goodluck Jonathan and his Transformation Agenda.
-PREMIUM TIMES
