NEC Verdict: PDP Extends Olive Branch To Baraje, G7

NEC Verdict: PDP Extends Olive Branch To Baraje, G7

FOLLOWING the  Independent  National Electoral Commission’s  decision to uphold the leadership of the PDP under the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the party has extended the olive branch to the Abubakar Baraje-led breakaway group urging them to return to the fold.
The PDP, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the position of INEC has laid to rest all contentions regarding the leadership of the party.
“The position of INEC in affirming the leadership of the PDP under the National Chairmanship of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and rejecting the demand for recognition by our aggrieved brothers 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.
“In this light, we call on all our aggrieved brothers to relegate all personal interests and return to the fold so that we 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.
“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 urged all party leaders, elders and members of the PDP to “continue to support President Goodluck Jonathan and his Transformation Agenda.”