Atiku, Kwankwaso, others may return to PDP before February – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified efforts to bring back into its fold some of its former chieftains now in opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso.

National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo who disclosed this to newsmen hinted that the party has reached out to many of its aggrieved members, especially those who have defected to other political parties.

He noted that the party’s reconciliation committee recently set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party will meet with all the former members of the party who are now in APC and other political parties before the next general elections in order to ensure that the PDP wins the poll.

He expressed optimism that those who have left the PDP for personal and political reasons would soon re-join the party, going by the reconciliation efforts of the leadership of the party.

He specifically stated that the crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter of the party has been resolved, adding that there were no more factions in the Ondo State chapter of the party as the two factions have agreed to work together.

Oladipo who condemned the antecedents of the APC Presidential candidate, General Muhamadu Buhari urged Nigerians to support President Jonathan in his second term bid, saying that Jonathan means well for the nation.

He said: “General Buhari is too old to rule Nigeria. He cannot be compared with President Jonathan. He is too strict and harsh for Nigerians, while Jonathan is meek, humble and dedicated to the course of democracy and good governance.”

“The 72 year old man who retired from Nigerian Army has nothing to offer this nation. His age will not even allow him to give Nigerians what they deserve. I am sure no youth in Nigeria will vote for Buhari. I will advise Nigerian youths to tell the world through their votes that the young ones can perform better.”

He cautioned Nigerians against violence in the next general elections, stressing the need for peace to reign in all parts of the country before, during and after the polls.