PDP: Convention is unification, survival celebration – Adeyeye

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said its Saturday non-elective convention would be a unification gathering of members to celebrate the party’s survival.

In a pre-convention news conference on Friday in Abuja, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, National Publicity Secretary of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, said that over 3,000 delegates would converge in the nation’s capital for the convention.

Adeyeye said that the event was an opportunity for repositioning of the party and reassure Nigerians that PDP was ready to salvage the country from its current challenges.

“We have every cause to celebrate because God took us out of the crisis that almost killed the party.

“The judgment of the Supreme Court is being celebrated by almost everybody. If it had been otherwise, we wouldn’t be here today; there may not have been PDP today as we know it.

“So, we give glory to God that with that judgement, PDP has been given another lifeline. We will use that opportunity to reposition the party to do better, even than when we were in government.

“So, we have every cause to celebrate and this is the convention of every member of PDP, and even Nigerians.

“Nigerians rejoiced with us when we won at the Supreme Court because they remember our achievements while in power.

“They have compared our government with what they are going through now; they are yearning for the return of PDP,” Adeyeye said.

He expressed optimism that the convention would be a success, adding that various committees had completed their works “and the reports we are getting is very good’’.

“PDP members will be in Abuja to celebrate, to tell Nigerians that this party has been reawakened and is poised not only to challenge for power but to again begin a new era of good governance in Nigeria come 2019.”

Adeyeye said that all foreign missions in Nigeria had been invited to the convention, and that they had indicated their willingness to observe the convention.

He added that international organizations like the United Nations, African Union had also expressed willingness to observe the convention.

“Every important international organisation is coming to observe the convention because PDP remain the largest party in Africa.

“Our members in diaspora are also arriving. PDP chapters outside, from the U.S and Europe have started arriving to observe the election.

“We invited them and many of them have arrived. You will see them tomorrow.”

The spokesman said that there had not been any challenge regarding preparations for the convention.

He, however, disclosed that “some people made attempt to again create some problems through the court yesterday but they failed woefully”.

Asked if the convention invitation was extended to Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, who was sacked as chairman of the party by the Supreme Court, Adeyeye said he and his followers had been invited.

He said that all Sheriff supporters were included to serve in the convention committee “and many of them are serving”.