The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has assured Nigerians that the leadership crisis rocking the party will soon be resolved. Atiku stated this at the Conference and Awards Night with the theme “Revitalising PDP Giants Towards Party Victory, 2024” organized by Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN) held at the weekend in Abuja.
The Former Vice President, who was represented by his Senior Aide, Honourable Fabiye Oladimeje, said Nigerians should not worry about the current state of the main opposition party, assuring that all issues affecting the party would be settled soon.
“We will continue to participate, and we shouldn’t blame anybody for our failure if we do not participate,” Atiku said. Atiku assured the group of his commitment and support for the betterment of our party.
“I’m with you and will continue to support you. I appreciate what you are doing, and by the grace of God, you’re going to get there.”
In her welcome remarks, the party’s National Women Leader, Hon. Amina Darasimi, said: “We have made our mistakes; it is now time for us to come together to make genuine reconciliation and build this party.”
Speaking about those leaving the party in Imo and Abia, she said, “As a political party, we are diverse. There’s a lot going on in the party right now. A lot of people are aggrieved, agitating, because it’s a big party. But gradually, the reconciliation committees have been set up. We are going to reach out to all the people, sit down as a family, and discuss this issue, and I know that at the end of the day, PDP would come out stronger.”
According to her, “God has a covenant with the Peoples Democratic Party; why won’t you believe it? It’s the truth. God knows why He brought me here as a women leader. I cannot come lead a party that is broken.” She therefore urged youths to pray for this country and PDP because it is time to rebuild the party.
“God has an interest in this nation. When you see all He has deposited in this country, sometimes, other nations would look at Nigeria and say, ‘God, why do you love Nigeria so much?’
On his part, the National President of VAN, Prince Seyi Ajibola, called on PDP leaders to stand up to their responsibilities by giving necessary direction to the teeming members who are yearning for the party’s victory.
He said, “If the Peoples Democratic Party collapses, God forbid, we will hold you (leaders) responsible.
“We have compounded issues in PDP that, if care is not taken, may mar our chances, irrespective of the candidates put forward during elections. We must manage our internal crisis beyond party politics and shelve selfish interests.
“It is easier said than done though. ‘Operation Bring Back PDP’ is a collective assignment; no single individual can claim a monopoly of power or structure in winning or attaining victory,” Seyi said.
