2019: IBB Urges Better Choice from PDP

Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), at the weekend asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to focus on providing a better choice of leadership for Nigerians.

Babangida, who spoke in Minna, Niger State at the weekend while receiving members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP led by its National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, also expressed satisfaction with the rebranding so far achieved by the PDP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, quoted Babangida as having expressed support for the reforms so far initiated by PDP including the resolve to avoid imposition.

“I am happy at your assurances that there will be no imposition in all your primary elections. It is all about choice and you have promised to provide the best choice,” he said.

While commending the elective National Convention of the PDP, the former president noted that not a few Nigerians believed that the national convention would hold, adding however that the outcome was successful.

“Your ‘Reposition, Rebrand and Regain’ agenda is working, particularly the rebranding. Some people believed that having been in government since 1999, the PDP will find opposition difficult but you are carrying on well and providing a better alternative.

“You have also not abandoned the people in times of crisis. I monitored your activities in Benue and Taraba States, and you just said your party has sent members to Zamfara State to commiserate with the people.  Surely you have made the people the centre of your return and they will not forget you because you were with them in time of sorrow.”

Earlier in the meeting, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, had told Babangida that former leaders of the country must rally together to save it from the current administration.

He lamented the killings and economic hardships which Nigerians contend with on a daily basis, stressing that the country has never witnessed the type of division “our people are currently facing.

“As a leader, you made the welfare of Nigerians the thrust of governance. You were also concerned about the peace and unity of this country. You created and built people as well as institutions.

“Today, our country is drifting and as a leader, you cannot afford to keep quiet and watch on the sideline. Leaders like you must come together and take a firm position on how to save our country from the precipice.”

Secondus said PDP remains the only alternative platform based on its experience, adding that it had learnt its lessons.

According to him, "We have resolved to play by the rules and operate within the confines of our party and the Nigerian constitution.

“We are rebranding and repositioning to make our party open to all and regain the land for the people. We are determined to give opportunities to the youths and our women. We also want to mentor a new generation of young Nigerians that will take our country to the next millennium.”