EXCLUSIVE REPORTS - PDP rejects acting CJN

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked Ibrahim Muhammad to quit as the acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN). President Muhammadu Buhari replaced Walter Onnoghen with Muhammad on Friday, citing the false assets declaration charges filed against him.

 In a statement on Saturday, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP spokesman, said Muhanmmad is “allowing himself to be used by despotic forces in their bid to truncate our hard-earned democracy.” “Justice Walter Onnoghen is still in charge as the chief justice of Nigeria,” he said. “The PDP therefore charges Justice Tanko to note that he is allowing himself to be used by despotic forces in their bid to truncate our hard-earned democracy.


 “It is also imperative for Justice Tanko to agree that, having allowed himself to be used to desecrate the hallowed temple of justice, his oath of office and oath of allegiance, the only option left for him is to quit the bench. “The PDP reminds Justice Tanko of his membership of the panel set up by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which on March 14, 2018, forced Justice Obisike Orji to quit the bench and go on a compulsory retirement, for allowing himself to be sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of Abia State without the statutory recommendation of the NJC. “From Justice Tanko’s first illegal assignment, which is the swearing-in of election tribunal Justices for the forthcoming elections, Nigerians can now see the raison d’etre for his illegal appointment.



 This action is in itself a nullity and we caution the said justices to be reminded of the popular maxim that something cannot be built on nothing. “Nigerians can recall that the PDP had always alerted that President Buhari is bent on removing Justice Onnoghen so as to replace him with a pliable CJN that would help him uphold his rigging plots and achieve his self-succession bid, having realized that he cannot win in any free and fair electoral contest.” Ologbondiyan said it is not strange that Buhari wants to “subdue the country’s democracy and subvert the rule of law”.


“The PDP invites the world to note that when Nigerians were in the trenches for this democracy, General Muhammadu Buhari, as he was then known, was in cahoots with the last dictator against the will the people,” he said.

POLITICS - 2019, Sokoto PDP alleges police partisanship

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Sokoto State, says it has lost confidence and trust in the Nigerian police.

The party alleged that the police has become partisan and partial by dancing to the tune of the ruling party.

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The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Hon. Yusuf Hausawa, stated instances such as incessant harassment, intimidation, molestation, unlawful arrest and unwarranted detention of it members without arraignment at any court of law, as reasons for the party’s position.

He also availed journalists with copies of letters send to the police as complaints against PDP supporters, at a press conference held at the Sokoto state NUJ Press centre on Sunday.

The party spokesman alleged that the IGP has approved the bidding of APC in Sokoto State through the transfer of one of the hatchet men of a notable politician, (name withheld), from Kano to head the Mobile Police unit, Mopol 7, in Sokoto.

According to him, “the officer in question who is an indigene of Sokoto State has served previously as a Chief Security Officer, CSO, to a former governor during his eight years tenure.

“Imagine the Nigerian police coming all the way from Abuja, with no mission other than illegal arrest of our members, who were transferred to Abuja without charging them for committing any offence, after staying in incarceration and confinement for more than a week.

“The use of Special Anti-armed Robbery Squad, SARS, to operate in commando style of arresting and detaining our supporters for weeks without trial is against the rule of law and due process.”

He further stated that, “we are aware that, the team sent to Sokoto state to arrest and whisk away some of our supporters are part of the Special Squad that was allegedly formed by the Inspector General of Police, to arrest any member of the opposition to the ruling party or the Federal Government.”

Hausawa, however, maintained that the party will use all legal available means to fight back and ensure justice for it teeming supporters.

The Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Cordelia Nwawe could not be reach for comment.

Via today.ng

Rivers State Governor, Wike becomes instant bride as presidential aspirants woo him

As the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) holds what political observers regard as a make-or-mar national convention in Adokyie Amasiameka stadium inPort Harcourt, on Saturday, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who also doubles as the host has become an instant bride to the presidential aspirants.

Governor Wike has in the last three years provided the needed money to rebuild the party when it was torn by crisis after the losing the presidential election in 2015 to the All Progressives Congress, APC. He did not only provide the means, he also became a willing host to vital PDP stakeholders’ meetings. The governor against all odds was able to wrestle the post of the National Chairman earlier zoned to the South West to Rivers State of the South South geopolitical zone which Uche Secondus, from Andoni now occupies.Investigation by our correspondent reveals that Wike has become a vital political personality that all presidential aspirants are courting ahead of the election of the presidential flag bearer of the party to contest against incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, flag bearer of the APC.

According to various sources who spoke with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, “Some presidential aspirants have sent their foot soldiers to Port Harcourt ahead of the convention to get the ears of the governor. So far, he is playing hard to get and he is tactfully keeping the aspirant of his choice close to his chest until the eleventh hour.“Recall the case of the botched PDP convention during the ill-fated tenure of Senator Ali Modu-Sherrif as Caretaker Committee Chairman, Governors Wike and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State were blamed for the crisis. He is trying to to be careful in order not to trip the apple cart. But it should be noted that some of the aspirants have offered him the vice president slot to woo him.”Governor Wike had earlier threatened the PDP leadership with dire consequences if it shifted the National Convention venue from Port Harcourt to somewhere else.

Wike said: “Those who are against the PDP convention holding in Port Harcourt don’t have the economic interest of Rivers and Niger Delta at heart.“If you are telling the people of the state and by extension Niger Delta that you don’t want such event to hold in their domain as an aspirant, how will you act when you become a president? How do you expect the people you are telling that you don’t like their state to vote for you during the election?“Why are they not acting in tandem with their campaign for the restructuring of Nigeria? From their opposition to Port Harcourt, it means the restructuring campaign is a mere lip service.”Wike insisted that all the aspirants will enjoy a level playing field; stressing that the choice of Port Harcourt is not meant to give any aspirant an edge over others.

He said: “Every aspirant will be given a level playing field. That it is holding in Port Harcourt does not mean anybody will have undue advantage. What it will do for the state is that it will boost its local economy because groundnut, sachet water sellers and food vendors will have more sales. Hoteliers will also record increased business.“That is the only thing Rivers state stands to gain from the holding of the convention in Port Harcourt; and anybody who is against Port Harcourt hosting the event does not like the state.

He is against the economic interest of the state.”He called on all PDP members to work together to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC), instead of bickering over the choice of convention venue. He said: “We need to work together; we don’t need any division at this moment. Our goal must be to win in 2019.”The issue of venue was later resolved as the leadership of the party bowed to pressure from Wike for the National Convention to be held in Port Harcourt.

Latest update is that major hotels in the state capital have been fully booked by PDP faithful as lobby groups of various presidential aspirants have been on ground to reach out to delegates and their leaders in their respective hotels. Security has been beefed up in around the venue and Obiri-Ikwerre-Prof. Tam David West road leading to the stadium. Senator David Mark just issued a statement through his media aide, Paul Mumeh cautioning the leadership of PDP to ensure that there is transparency in the choice of the presidential candidate in order not to cause any acrimony in the party after the convention.

Meanwhile, a coalition of Northern youths within the PDP accused the leadership of the party of conniving with Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, to rig the presidential primaries of the party by moving the convention to Port Harcourt. In a press statement signed by its convener, Honourable Awwal Dahiru, the group alleged that the plot by the Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee is to move the convention to Port Harcourt to enable Governor Wike install his preferred candidate.

PMNEWS

PDP Urged President Buhari to unfreeze Senator Ademola Adeleke’s account

ABUJA- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately unfreeze the private account of the PDP governorship Candidate in the September 22, 2018 Osun election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and those of his family members, including music star, David Adeleke (Davido).

The party in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan described the freezing of the accounts as oppressive, tyrannical, provocative and a direct recipe for crisis in the state, “given that the people of Osun are solidly behind Adeleke ahead of the election.”
It also directed its members, including state governors, officials at zonal and state chapters, national and states assembly members, all presidential and governorship aspirants as well as other stakeholders, particularly, in the southwest zone, to immediately commence movement into Osun state with their political machinery to campaign and support the PDP candidate.

“The freezing of the Adelekes’ accounts by an agency of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, a week to the governorship election, underscores the fact that APC is mortally afraid of our candidate and has been seeking ways to undermine his electoral fortunes.

“Such savage attack on innocent citizens confirms the viciousness of the Buhari-led APC administration to use any means whatsoever to subjugate Nigerians and appropriate power to itself at all cost.
“Does it not smack of political brutality that President Buhari approved the secret release of N16.6 billion to Osun APC to pay thugs to manhandle voters and rig the election, while his EFCC is unleashed to freeze the legitimate account of our candidate and his family not minding the collateral damage such would have on millions that benefit from the goodwill of the family?

“The PDP therefore calls on the people of Osun state to collectively condemn this wickedness meted out on their son and members of his family and ensure that they use their votes to make a resounding statement against the APC by voting enmasse for their beloved son, come September 22, 2018,” the statement read.

2019: Festus Keyamo says, PDP only exists on Twitter, Whatsapp

The spokesperson for the Buhari ’s Presidential Campaign Organisation , Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN ), said the allegation that President Muhammadu Buhari had suppressed internal democracy in the All Progressives Congress was a figment of the Peoples Democratic Party ’s imagination .

He said unlike the PDP which printed only one presidential nomination form which was obtained by then President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 , the APC, ahead of the 2019 election , had printed many forms , adding that other APC presidential aspirants merely conceded to Buhari ’s popularity and chose not to obtain forms.

He said the APC was not doomed, pointing out that rather, the PDP , which he said existed only on Twitter and Whatsapp , was the one winding up. He said, “ As of today , the PDP only exists on Twitter and Whatsapp . The APC is not doomed; rather, it is the PDP that is winding up .

“The solution to a problem cannot be to go back to the people who caused the problem . ”
The spokesman for the PDP , Mr Kola Ologbondiyan , had on Thursday in a statement, said the emergence of President Buhari as the sole presidential candidate of the APC has indicated that the ruling party is “irredeemably doomed for a crushing defeat” in the 2019 presidential election .

via punchng

UPDATE: Billionaire, Femi Otedola accepts PDP Lagos governorship ticket

Nigerian billionaire FemiOtedola, Chairman/CEO of Forte Oil, has accepted to run for the governorship seat of the Lagos State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  The report was posted on Twitter by Dele Momodu who wrote; Breaking News: Lagos 2019 promises to be interesting. PDP offers Femi Otedola governorship ticket. He’s accepted and personally confirmed to The Boss newspaper..Breaking news: Lagos 2019 promises to be interesting.

PDP offers Femi Otedola governorship ticket. He's accepted and personally confirmed to The Boss newspaper… — Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) September 11, 2018

According to the report, the opposition party offered the billionaire oilmagnate the ticket of the party, and he wholeheartedly accepted.

Otedola will therefore, inthe long run square up against whoever the All Progressives Congress (APC) throws up as its party candidate as it is still embroiled in battle of supremacy between the loyalists of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Over 50 council chairmen loyal to Bola Tinubu, his estranged godfather, have met and pledged their support for Jide Sanwonolu, who is believed to be Tinubu’s preferred choice, according to APC insiders. The council chairmen are the most influential grassroots mobilisers under the direct primary system adopted by APC to pick governorship candidates. Most members of the Lagos house of assembly are also loyal to Tinubu.

On Monday, the governor, alongside some members of his cabinet, stormed the headquarters of the APCin Abuja to get expression of interest and nomination forms for his 2019 bid.

PDP Leadership asks Aminu Tambuwal, Atiku, Kwankwaso and others to accept primary’s outcome

In a bid to have a rancour - free presidential primary, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party met with its presidential aspirants in Abuja on Wednesday night.

The PDP team was led by its National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

Other members of the party’s National Working Committee and some members of the Board of Trustees were also in attendance .
Present at the meeting were the President of the Senate , Dr Bukola Saraki; a former Vice- President , Atiku Abubakar; a former governor of Plateau State , Jona Jang; Sokoto State Governor , Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State , Attahiru Bafarawa and a former Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee , Ahmed Makarfi .

Also in attendance were a former governor of Kano State , Rabiu Kwankwaso and a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Relations , Alhaji Kabir Tanimu Turaki (SAN ).
Absent from the meeting were Ahmed Datti , Gombe State Governor , Ibrahim Dankwanbo and a former governor of Jigawa State , Alhaji Sule Lamido.

The meeting was held behind closed door. It was gathered that Secondus told the aspirants that the party would conduct a free , fair and credible primary. He was also said to have assured them that the NWC had no favourable aspirants among them, adding that the primary aim of the party was to sack the All Progressives Congress ’ Federal Government in 2019 .

He told them that the party and others leaders in the country would want the aspirants to cooperate with whoever emerged as the party’s candidate at the October 6 national convention.
A source at the meeting said, “Secondus, in his opening remark, thanked the aspirants for having confidence in the party and its national leadership .
“He also asked them to say whatever they have in mind and suggest to the party, areas they felt that the NWC should work on in order to have a credible primary. ”
Sources at the meeting told our correspondent that the aspirants demanded a free and transparent primary.

They were said to have also said that they would “cooperate with anyone that emerges so far the process is credible, free and fair . “
Speaking with our correspondent on the outcome of the meeting , Secondus said he assured the aspirants of the party at all levels that there would be free, fair and transparent primaries where the delegates’ decision would prevail .
“Let me tell you that we the members of the NWC are assuring all aspirants of our party that the era of impunity or imposition is over in the party as a rebranded PDP under my watch would ensure transparency and fairness for all ,” he added.

Secondus appealed to the aspirants to work harmoniously among themselves in the interest of the party “ since it is only one person that will get the slot at the end of the day. ” He said, “ I told them that we must not forget to put the will of God in all we do bearing in mind that nobody gets power unless as designed and approved by God.
“We are proud of all our aspirants, all of them are eminently qualified to rule this country and if we work in harmony we would chase away the APC out of the Aso Rock Villa by 2019. ”

via punchng
It was also gathered that all the aspirants in attendance were given time to speak.

Emmanuel Uduaghan Revealed Why He dumped PDP for APC

The immediate past governor of Delta State , Dr . Emmanuel Uduaghan, who has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress , said he ditched his former party owing to President Muhammadu Buhari ’ s “passionate” interest for the development of the Niger Delta region .

Uduaghan in a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday morning and titled “Moving On To The Bigger Playing Field”, the former governor noted that despite Buhari inability to score the required 25 per cent in the 2015 election in the region , he has given direct focus to the development of the region . While listing some of the development efforts by Buhari ’s government, Uduaghan said, “Since the inception of the current All Progressives Congress , APC, administration at the federal level, there has been an encouraging interest and activities by President Muhammadu Buhari to bring a permanent solution to the Niger Delta crisis .

This has pointed in a direction that is at once progressive and developmental.
“Topmost in these activities are the ‘Engagement Processes . ’ Rather than using the military to harass our people , the Buhari administration has embarked on various engagement processes that have led to agreements and brought hope to the people of the Niger Delta . In the last years , Mr . President has personally engaged several regional leaders and youths . Senior officials of his administration also engaged many Niger Delta leaders and youths .

“Very significant is that Mr . President mandated the Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN , to visit virtually all the oil producing states, engaging various stakeholders . This is unprecedented in the history of the region . Such engagement processes have brought some measure of peace in the Niger Delta. Things can only get better . ”
The former governor who is contesting the Delta South Senatorial District in 2019 , called on leaders in region to support efforts being made by the present administration to bring lasting peace to the area , adding that his defection to the APC was to offer such support .

“In this era of partisan politics, it is necessary for the people of the Niger Delta, and Delta State in particular, to identify more with the Federal Government led by the APC. By so doing, we can push some of the agreements between our leaders and the Federal Government through, and also engage the government to do more . Politics is about interests .

“The Niger Delta is a major area of interest for me , because I staked my life going into the creeks severally without security and sometimes coming back at night negotiating peace. I will, therefore, give the strongest support to any President that shows commitment in the affairs of the Niger Delta. I call on , and enjoin, other well- meaning leaders in the region , who have very useful contributions to make, to come on board and join hands in helping this Federal Government to pursue a robust development agenda that would uplift our people . Whatever milestone that appears not to have been achieved yet is not for lack of efforts. Joining hands with and supporting the process will lead to a faster delivery on expectations .

“ It is in the pursuit of this noble objective that I ’m offering myself to help drive a process that would give the lives of our people in the Niger Delta more meaning . President Muhammadu Buhari needs people who will join hands with him to uplift our people . From my political experience , you have to be well represented and actively so at the “board room ” when decisions are being taken. Delta State must be well represented . Niger Delta must be well represented ” the statement added.

Uduaghan, who thanked leaders and members of his former party for urging him to stay , added that he prayed fervently divine direction before agreeing to leave the PDP where he served as commissioner, Secretary to the State Government and two- term as a governor .

“I have, therefore, after series of consultations and prayers, taken the decision to leave the PDP and join the APC. In doing this , I want to thank the numerous leaders , supporters and interest groups that have been urging me to remain in PDP . I am happy that after explaining some of the deeper issues to you, some of you that are politicians have agreed to join the APC in the near future .
“So I am going into APC as “John the Baptist” to the numerous Deltans that are coming in , soon – very soon. ”

via punchng

Ekiti Poll - Political supporters of PDP, APC disrupt INEC

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State forced the stakeholders ’ meeting convened by the Inspector General of Police , Ibrahim Idris, and the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in Ado Ekiti , to come to an abrupt end .

Trouble began when a member of the PDP and Chairman, Committee on Information of the Ekiti State House of Assembly , Samuel Omotoso, rose to speak at the forum.

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress started booing him trying to shout him down.
Omotoso had raised observations that the candidate of the APC and ex -Governor of the State , Dr Kayode Fayemi, had allegedly been boasting that he would be declared winner whether or not he loses the election .
He also raised concerns about how he and his family were harassed by APC supporters and his mother shot at.

When Omotoso started mentioning Fayemi’s name consistently, the APC members became uncomfortable and raised their voices to shout him down.
But he rebuffed all attempts to make him stop talking .
The moment Omotosho stopped talking ; the PDP seized the initiative and started shouting Eleka – Ibo, Eleka - Ibo. Eleka is the family name of the Deputy Governor and the PDP governorship candidate , Prof. Kolapo Olusola.
Efforts of the IG to control the surging crowd failed thus making him to beckon on the Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and Oloye of Oye - Ekiti , Oba Oluwole Ademolaju , to intervene . Oba Ademolaju was also unsuccessful .

In the ensuing confusion , the INEC chairman, the IG and other heads of security agencies left the venue through the back door.
But Fayemi went through the crowd to leave the venue shielded by his supporters and some security men.
Idris and Yakubu had addressed the gathering before the uproar.

Earlier , the IG said no fewer than 4 , 390 soldiers and paramilitary officers would be deployed to complement the 30 ,000 policemen that had been deployed in Ekiti for the election .
Idris added that a Deputy Inspector General of Police, an Assistant Inspector General of Police and five Commissioners of police would be in charge to give directive and ensure that the election was conducted under a conducive atmosphere .
Idris said, “We want all the party supporters to refrain from all acts that can precipitate violence at the polling booths such as canvassing for votes , wearing of party insignias , dissuading voters from voting for candidates of their choice , loitering and blaring of the siren on the day of the election .
“We will also not tolerate ignoring of restriction of movement orders by the police . Don’t see the election as a matter of life and death.
“Let me state that police will not hesitate to deal with anybody no matter how highly placed found flouting electoral laws .
“Let me call for the collaboration and support of the entire sister agencies and the INEC officials . Police officers have been warned to be of good conduct during and after the election .
“If you notice any misconduct on the part of any policeman, do not hesitate to report to the senior officers on the ground or contact me directly. ”
In his contribution , Yakubu said the commission decided to distribute the Permanent Voter Cards to the ward level to motivate the electorate to collect and exercise their civic rights .
He announced the extension of the PVC collection to Wednesday .
“For transparency , all uncollected PVCs will be brought to the INEC office in Ado Ekiti and warehoused for safekeeping until a new date is fixed to resume the PVC collection.
“However, since the Anambra State Governorship election held in November 2017 , we have introduced an additional measure of transparency.
“I wish to reassure that our officials are under strict instructions to remain neutral. We have also accredited credible foreign and local observers to monitor this election .
“We are confident that with the arrangements we have put in place , the Ekiti State Governorship election will be another good example of free, fair , credible and peaceful election and a further affirmation of the maturity of our democracy,” he stated .
Also affirming that the election would be credible, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti , Prof Abdulganiyu Raji , said a total of 913 , 334 persons had been registered by the commission out of which 667 , 064 had collected their PVCs.

Full list of 21 elected officers by PDP during national convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has elected 21 officers during its National Convention which took place on Saturday, December 9.

At the keenly contested election, Prince Uche Secondus emerged as chairman of the party amidst claim and allegation of anti-democratic activities.

In his address on Sunday, December 10after being declared winner of the party’s chairmanship election,Secondus expressed delight over his victory.He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of dividing the nation and said the PDP has a task of wrestling power from them.

He vowed that by 2019, the PDP would take over power in Aso Rock from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

See full list of elected officers below:

1. National Chairman - Prince Uche Secondus

2. National Deputy Chairman South – Elder Yemi Akinwonmi

3. National Deputy Chairman North – Sen. Gamawa Babawo Garba

4. National Secretary – Sen. Ibrahim Tsauri

5. Deputy National Secretary – Dr. Agbo Emmanuel

6. National Treasurer – Hon. Aribisala Adewale

7. Deputy National Treasurer – Alh. Wada Masu

8. Financial Secretary – Ibrahim Husseini Maibasira

9. Dep. Fin. Sec. – Hon. Irona Alphonsus

10. Nat. Org. Sec. – Col (Rtr) Austin Akobundu

11. Dep. Nat. Org. Sec. – Barr. Hassan Yakubu

12. Publicity Secretary – Kola Ologbondiyan

13. Dep. Nat. Pub. Sec. – Hon. Diran Odeyemi

14. Nat. Legal Adviser – Barr. EmmanuelEnoidem

15. Dep. Nat. Legal Adviser – Barr. Ahmed Bello Liman16. Nat. Auditor – Mal. Adamu Mustapha

17. Dep. Nat. Auditor – Miss Divine Amina Arong

18. Nat. Women Leader – Haj. Mariya Waziri

19. Dep. Nat. Women Leader – Umoru Adizet Hadizat

20. Nat. Youth Leader – Rt. Hon. Udeh Okoye

21. Dep. Nat. Youth Leader – Umar Babangida Main a Mean while, former president Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday, December 9, said the PDP has become a reference point as Nigeria moves toward another election. Jonathan made this known while delivering a goodwill message at the party’s national convention.

He said the party had over the years remained focused and resilient in spite of several challenges, adding that he believed the party would remain foremost in leadership.Nigerians want PDP back in 2019 - Goodluck Jonathan declares at PDP Caucus Meeting - on NAIJ.com TV.

Source - Naija.ng

Newly Elected PDP Chairman Secondus Serves Buhari Quit Notice

The newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) , Uche Secondus has served a 'quit notice' to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ) party from the Aso Rock come 2019 and affirmed his commitment to rebuild the party to take back power by 2019.

He made this assertion while delivering his acceptance speech at the Eagle Square venue of the party's national convention in Abuja.He promised to rebuild, reposition and regain the lost glory of the party adding that the quit notice is immediate in order to save the country from disintegration."We are all witnesses to how the unity of this country has been shaken to its very foundation under the watch of the ruthless and clueless APC.

We, therefore, have a gigantic task of retrieving this nation from APC over its clear lack of direction and confusion starting with presidency.Secondus described APC as a mere consipracy but not a political party which was hurriedly assembled to seize power without a clear cut plan for governance. He explained that that PDP conceded power to the opposition in 2015 which has elevated the democratic circle of Nigeria adding that their action have madethem true democrats.

Speaking further, he said:

"I, therefore, say without an iota of doubt that PDP contribution to the growth and sustainance of our democracy in the last 18 years remain unequalled. The best way to celebrate the memories of these founding fathers is to ensure that their ideals are continuously engaged.

"He stressed that the party has learnt its  lessons and they are now set to forge a new path for the party and Nigeria. He reiterated his commitment to sustain and adhere strictly to the internal democracy with deliberate policies to return real power to the people.

"No more imposition, no more impunity . Every member of this party as from this moment consider himself /herself equal shareholder in our common destiny . I callon all Nigerians to embrace this new PDP and join in request for a new Nigeria and reach out to our own members who by one reason or the other left the party to please come back.

"The chairman also used the ocassion to formally welcome the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to the party. He called on the co-contestants to join him in to repositioning of the party. He noted that all of them are qualified to lead partySahara Reporters