By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday met with aspirants and stakeholders in the Anambra Governorship election, harping
on the need for unity and mutual relationship among all.
The meeting, which lasted for several hours and presided over by the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus , was held at the party’s headquarters and attended by several of its chieftains.
The PDP’s governorship primaries is scheduled for next Saturday, June 26, while the main election is billed for November 6, this year by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The PDP National Chairman, Prince Secondus, who was flanked by other members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party, explained that the meeting was called for the party leaders to interact with stakeholders as elections held off season were always very stormy and tough.
His words, “We are here basically for us to make sure first and foremost that all our leaders and all our aspirants are in unity. It is very important for this trying period and you know the period, we are in”.
Secondus maintained that unity was key especially now that the country was passing through challenges including insecurity, that must not be taken for granted.
He noted that the only way to get out of that was to make sure that things were done properly.
According to him, “Let there be fairness and equity and justice, which is in deficit in our country; and that is what the PDP stands for.
“We stand for fairness, equity and justice, under the rule of law. This is a party that believes that all Nigerians are one.
“We must live together as brothers and sisters,” he said.
The National Chairman said that Anambra was key to the mission of rescuing Nigeria and unite the country.
In is words, “Anambra is the economic key of our country and we must conduct our affairs to show the world that PDP is different and ready to rescue this country.
“That is why we are to interact with leaders of our party are here. At the end of this meeting, I think we will go home happily that on Saturday it will be most freest congresses that has been conducted.
“So, Anambra, we want to advice, we want to call our people the time to put down ourselves is now.
“This is the time to look at each other. We must not allow both Anambra and our country to fail. We must show that good example.
“You have been leading in several areas, you must lead politically now. Our leaders must be statesman. They must look beyond and individual and narrow interest.
“ It is time for us to look at Nigeria. If we get it wrong, the consequences will be great. It will reflect on other parts of the country,”Secondus said.
Speaking earlier, the PDP National Organising Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu,rtd, said that the meeting was customary anytime PDP had major contests.
Akobundu said that the meeting was called to ensure everybody was carried along in the primary to ensure peaceful outcome.
His words, “It is for this reason that the NWC directed us to meet with the stakeholders in Anambra. We know we have large stakeholders in Anambra.
“This is just a cross section of our quality stakeholders in Anambra, who have invited to attend this meeting.
“It is simply to rub minds, have an interactive session and discuss ways and means that we can employ to have hitch free primary with everybody on board.
Among those in attendance were, former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, former Governor of Anambra and vice presidential candidate of PDP in the 2019 general election, Mr Peter Obi, former Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah, former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh among others.
