Considering the likely dynamics and intrigues of 2019, Special Adviser to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Political and Legislative Affairs, Barrister Ekong Sampson, has expressed optimism that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has bounced back for good, stressing that “Nigeria is prepared for PDP and PDP is prepared for Nigeria.”
Speaking with Ibom Telegraph at the Eagle Square, venue of the just concluded 2017 Elective National Convention of PDP, Barrister Sampson said “it is sure Nigeria is prepared for PDP. We cannot deny the fact that PDP has reinvented itself. PDP is one rich family and the party has emerged stronger for 2019.”
The Special Adviser, who said “Akwa Ibom is now the energy of Nigeria, by virtue its delegates strength,” maintaining that the party is committed to democracy in the country.
Meanwhile, the new Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, through his acceptance speech tagged ‘Rebuilding to Regain’, has declared that the party’s return to power in 2019 is herculean but achievable, assuring that he will ensure internal democracy is enthroned in the party.
He said “I stand before you this day; humbled by the mandate you have just given to my colleagues and I to lead this great party at this time in Nigeria’s political history. We wholeheartedly accept it with extreme gratitude. 18 years ago, specifically February 14, 1999, this party made history with its first ever National Convention in Jos, Plateau State and since then, has grown to become undisputedly, the largest political party on the African continent.”
“I recall that before that, precisely on the 19th of August, 1998, our founding fathers gathered here in Abuja to give birth to this party whose aims and objectives were patriotic, with lofty and visionary dreams. By my understanding, the mandate you have given us today is clear and unambiguous. It is to return our party to power come 2019. As Herculean as this mandate seems, I know it’s achievable. My campaign pillars for this election are ‘To Rebuild, Reposition and Regain’. Let me assure you great members and leaders of our party, that by the grace of God and with all hands on deck, the brief tenancy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Aso Rock Villa expires on May 28, 2019. By this, we serve them a quit notice. This has to be immediate, in order to save our beloved country from disintegration. We are all witnesses to how the unity of this country has been shaken to its very foundation under the watch of the rudderless and clueless APC. We therefore have a gigantic task of retrieving this country from APC’s clear lack of direction and confusion starting with the Presidency,” he stressed.
Also, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who made a triumphant return to the party, has advised the PDP to remain united to stand any chance of displacing the All Progressive Congress, APC, from power come 2019.
While congratulating Prince Secondus, said “Our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party is, again, at the threshold of an historical moment. Just as we mobilized to put an end to prolonged military rule in 1999, the people of Nigeria at this moment look up to us to rescue the country from the mis-government of the APC.”
“As members of the PDP, we must take pride in being able to hold a National Convention and in so doing live up to the bill of being a truly democratic political party. Our major opponent has not been able to achieve this feat and I join millions of our party members to congratulate the Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee.
