The newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has formally served the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a quit notice, saying the latter has failed Nigerians.
Speaking after he was sworn-in following his victory at the PDP National Convention at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Sunday , Secondus argued that the APC’s failure is premised on the party’s flawed foundation and lack of ideas for development.
To emerge victorious at the National Convention, Secondus polled 2000 votes to defeat Professor Tunde Adeniran who polled 230 votes and High Chief Raymond Dokpesi who polled 66 votes.
He said: “In the words of the 34th President of the United States of America Dwight Eisenhower, ‘If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power’.
“Judging from this, it is crystal clear to all Nigerians that APC is not a political party, but a body hurriedly assembled to seize power without a clear-cut plan for governance.”
He noted that the PDP remains the only credible alternative that was founded on the platform of sustainable development.
“Those founding fathers had in mind, a prosperous and lasting democracy as captured in the preamble of our constitution, clearly stating their desire for a free and egalitarian society,” he said.
“Even in our perceived failure of 2015, we chose to abide by our strong faith in democracy, willingly conceding power to opposition, thereby elevating the democratic status of Nigeria. We are true democrats.
“I can, therefore, say without an iota of doubt that PDP’s contributions to the growth and sustenance of democracy in this country in the last 18 years remain unequalled,” he said.
The National Chairman assured PDP members that the National Working Committee (NWC) will lead the party to electoral victory in 2019.
According to him, “with your mandate, I assure you that all necessary steps will be taken to avoid a repeat of our past mistakes. Indeed, we have learnt our lessons and by this convention, we are now set to forge a new path for our great party and Nigeria,” he said.
“Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to return ‘real’ power to the people. No more imposition, no more impunity. Every member of this party can from this moment consider him or herself an equal shareholder in our common destiny.”
He lauded his opponents for the post of national chairmanship, urging them to bring their experiences in the revival.
“You have every cause to stand tall and I now extend my hand of fellowship to you all. Let ‘us’ rebuild, reposition and regain,” he said.
The swearing in of the National Chairman and other officials of PDP was performed by seasoned lawyer, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike congratulated Secondus and members of his executive committee on their victory, saying that the party will be re-positioned for greater service to the country. He said that Prince Secondus emerged through a credible process which will further strengthen the bonds of unity in the party.
He noted that Secondus comes into leadership with a track record of service and loyalty to the party, pointing out that the new party chairman and his executive committee will rebuild the PDP.
Chairman of Convention Planning Committee and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said the party is going into the future more united.
One of the contestants, Chief Raymond Dokpesi reacted thus: “I write to thank you most wholeheartedly for voting at the just concluded Elective National Convention in Abuja. The delegates have spoken. I congratulate the newly elected Prince Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee. You will recall that I said that the PDP must be the ultimate winner at the end of the contest. God bless the Peoples Democratic Party. Congratulations PDP as I wish all our members the best of luck.”