PDP did not receive N1.2 bn from Atiku – Ex-scribe

The former National Caretaker Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ben Obi has said that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar did not give N1.2 billion to the party to prepare for his entrance and in support of the national convention.

Senator Obi made the clarifications in Abuja in a monitored television programme.

The former party scribe said that Atiku who is now a member of the party will definitely make meaningful contribution to the party but debunked that N1.2 billion was outrageous.

He equally said that Atiku never approached the party for a waiver and confirmed that he did not get one from the party.

Making clarifications on the status of Atiku in the party, he said, “He has not even sort for waivers.

But the National Executive Committee met and one thing is sure, he is not a delegate because he did not come in when congresses were being conducted in the states. He is coming in as a former Vice President.

Also reacting to the allegation that Atiku, funded the convention he said,”1.2 billion, well that is interesting, we are looking for money. So that will go a long way, in fact, the convention is gone”.

When pressed further he continued, “I do know that money is provided. But to come and say N1.2 billion, that is just not true. The papers are doing what they know to do best.

“I know that His Excellency, the former Vice President will definitely contribute money but 1.2 billion? I don’t know, that is not just true.

“We are getting financial support from various organs of the party. Individual even came and contributed.

“People are contributing money and we have slashed the budget two times when we saw that resources were not there. The party on two occasions slashed the budget of the convention due to paucity of funds.

“If the party actually got such a huge sum from Atiku, then there could have been no need to adjust the convention budget,” he said.

Senator Obi said that the party has also taken a proactive measure and have constituted a reconciliation committee to resolve all possible crises that might emanate from the convention.

He said, “A post convention reconciliation committee headed by Governor Seriake Dickson has been constituted and they are already meeting.”

Myke Uzendu, Abuja