Mistakes cost us Obasanjo, Atiku, Gemade, others – PDP

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 well-meaning 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.”

Daily Trust