Hottestgistnaija.com
The December date fixed for the PDP National Elective Convention is no longer news. The news however, is the apparent inability of the party to draw lessons from the quagmire in which its culture of impunity had brought upon the party with the attendant reversal in status from a ruling party to a minority and opposition in government. That scenario is replaying itself yet again.
Imposition of candidates, a trend identified with total absence of transparency in the selection process of the party’s flag bearers no doubt has resulted in a significant set back to the once biggest party in Africa . Please recall the unceremonious pull out of a sizable group at the 2012 convention ground in protest to form the defunct New PDP due to an attempt by the leadership of the party to favor certain people over others. Sadly, that same situation that brought the party to its knees and peaked in the disastrous defeat in 2015 appears all set to make a come back in some states with prior to the PDP National Elective Convention scheduled for this December.
In Kogi State, about four aspirants have already indicated interest to run for the position of National Publicity Secretary of the party currently zoned to the State. Rather than create a level playing ground for interested candidates to emerge through laid down rules and procedure, with a view to deepening internal democracy, some state party elders are already spreading falsehood that a consensus candidate has already emerged in the state. The intention of these opportunists is to promote their preferred candidate.
Without mincing words, let me categorically state here that I am one of the interested candidates vying for the position of the National Publicity Secretary of the party, and that to the best of my knowledge no one has withdrawn his candidacy nor step down for a consensus candidate. Supporters of the PDP, delegates and the general public should please take note.
It bears repeating that I am still in the race and shall resist a repeat of the 2012 anomaly. All interested parties must be prepared to submit to due process and be willing to accept transparent outcome of the exercise. This is the only way to help the party back in reckoning and on the path to regaining its lost glory. The era of some members in the name of party stalwarts, imposing candidates on the people need be over, and I believe its gone for good and must not be allowed to rear its ugly head in our democratic experience.
In addition, the leadership of our party must understand the imperative of resurrecting this ghost, particularly now that the party just emerged from a protracted legal battle. The PDP is a household name. It has no reason to play second fiddle as opposition were it not for its political missteps. Therefore, if the party is serious about giving the APC a good fight, a new mantra must be coined around the NEW BREED players. This is the sure-fire way to earn back the confidence of the electorate who are tired of recycled faces, and the National Convention must be the starting point.
Leaders of the party in the North Central should be reminded how their compelling pressure made me withdrew from the contest for the position of the National Youth Leader in 2012 with the promise to put their weight behind me the next time. That next time is now. I shall resist with appropriate legal instrument any attempt to undermine my right to contest this time.
I pray and hope this is not allowed to happen.
God bless the PDP.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
BABANAGARI SULEIMAN
Aspirant, National Publicity Secretary
