Supporters of Kwankwaso, Tambuwal, Lamido, other presidential aspirants steal show at PDP Convention

• PDP defectors are full of regrets – Fintiri
  *Oraelosi, Nwosu step down for Daniel to emerge National Auditor

Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The Eagle Square, Abuja venue of Special National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was on Saturday turned into a carnival ground to project their principals.

Party protocol officials and security agents had tough time controlling the mammoth supporters that drummed, sang and danced round the arena.

Supporters of former governor of Kano State, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar led the park with a few hundreds loyalists carrying banners of several dimension, marching round the different stands.

Presence of supporters of Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed,his Sokoto State counterpart, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Muazu, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido were also felt at the convention.

Apart from presidential hopefuls, gladiators from various states chose the event to register their governorship aspirations as supporters danced round with their banners.

Setting the tone for the convention, chairman National Convention Organising Committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said the convention will serve as a turning point in rebuilding the party and bringing back those who left PDP but now regret in their political sojourn.

He said “the political mutation of the party over the years, has seen a few of these foundational members veering off at sometimes. The confessions of most of those who sojourned to any other party in the country are loaded with regrets.

“Most of them are lucky to stage a comeback and as a magnanimous family, we are always glad to receive them with all privileges, back into our folds. For those, who are still contemplating a return, but are held back by any other force less than Nigeria, I call on you to break the force and return to where you rightly belong. It is time to rescue Nigeria”.

He said Nigeria is at its perilous time of need and that the PDP is not just a vehicle for winning elections but a symbolism for a free, democratic and prosperous Nigeria that works for every citizen.

“We have demonstrated our commitment to these time tested ideals that Nigerians have every reason to trust us enough more than a contraption that was formed solely for the purpose of winning election and around the personal ambitions of certain individuals bereft of the knowledge of what to do with the victory.

“The PDP has traversed multiple stages of institutional consolidation that places it far ahead of any other political party in Nigeria. In spite of any setback, the party has remained afloat and waxing stronger with all its statutory organs functioning. From the BoT, the NWC and the NEC. The other contraption Caredno of the same credentials.

“Indeed, the country has never had it this bad. That Nigeria is better by far with PDP in power is not in doubt. That the people relish on those golden moments when the PDP held sway at the center is not in doubt. That citizens are yearning for the return of PDP at the center as the 2023 elections draw nearer, is equally not in doubt.

“We therefore have a duty not to disappoint our teaming supporters. We have to take back our country as we have always done. We have to save Nigeria. If we could force the country out of the clutches of the military, we can do this one huge task-push the people who don’t know the true definition of good governance and national coexistence out of power. This is a Nigeria rescue mission. This is the role PDP was invented to play”.

The convention chairman said the 2021 National Convention, presents a starting point for the Nigeria rescue mission.

Acting National Chairman of the party, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi expressed optimism that leaders that will emerge at the convention will lead PDP to victory come 2023 general election.

Calling for unity among members, Akinwonmi said “I call on all members of this party to come together, bury our personal, individual and collective differences and put PDP and the interest of Nigeria above any consideration”.

Leaders of the party that delivered goodwill messages include former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe on behalf of the National Assembly minority caucus.

However, contest was further reduced to two offices as two contestants for the position of National Auditor, Mrs. Chibuogwu Benson – Oraelosi and Ikechukwu Samben Nwosu at the convention ground stepped down for Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel to emerge sole candidate ahead of voting.

At 4.34pm, Senator Abaribe moved a motion for commencement of election which was seconded by House of Representatives Minority Whip, Hon. Gideon Gwani and was unanimously carried by delegates.

Voting started at around 5.45pm with delegates from Abia, Adamawa and Akwa Ibom states .