For members of the Peoples Democratic Party who have defected to the All Progressives Congress, President Goodluck Jonathan has advised them to retrace their steps now before it is too late.
“The message today is very clear: the time to join us is now so that there will be nothing like discrimination. This is the best time to join us,” President Jonathan said.
Addressing a mammoth crowd in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Saturday, the President said party members who have defected and still have political ambition should return to the party now, promising that they would not be discriminated against.
The rally, christened ‘Unity Rally”, was organized to welcome top politicians in the state, including a former Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, back to the party.
Present at the well-attended rally were Vice President Namadi Sambo; The Senate President, David Mark; the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih; the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerenmadu; the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; and a former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikhedi Ohakim.
Speaking further, President Jonathan regretted the internal crisis that led to the defection of key party chieftains in 2011.
He, however, assured them that they would be treated equally without discrimination.
His words: “We are here for a unity rally.
“We are here because some of us stepped aside and they have stepped back into the party.
“The PDP has come back strong in Imo State.
“I welcome all of you back to the party.
“PDP promotes the rule of law, inclusiveness and stability.
“PDP is the only stabilizing factor in Nigeria’s political journey.”
Jonathan said the non-adherence to democratic tenets in 2011 has become a thing of the past, adding: “Now we must follow the rule of law and completely follow the concept of democracy.
“This is the only party that can lead the country to where we want to go.
“The Imo people have spoken PDP: has regained this state.
“We formally welcome our brothers and sisters.
“Without them there will be no politics in Imo State.”
Addressing the rally earlier, Udenwa said they left the party because of the internal wrangling that led to the loss of the 2011 governorship election to the then All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Udenwa promised the party leadership that they would work for President Jonathan and ensure that the party regains the governorship seat in 2015.
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