The Minority Leader of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Mr Ndudi Elumelu, is calling for urgent steps to reunite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the country’s South West to put the party in good stead to win elections in the zone.
Elumelu made the appeal during a special inauguration dinner organised in honour of the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, in Abuja.
He urged Ambassador Arapaja to use his office to foster inclusiveness in the South West and reconcile aggrieved members ahead of Osun and Ekiti states governorship elections; he added that reconciling members would boost the party’s chances in the 2023 general election.
“How are we going to get that done? It is for you (Arapaja) to take an urgent step toward uniting Southern PDP- it is a good assignment, and it will be rigorous, but God that gave you this position knows that you have all that it takes to accomplish it.
“Any time you call us, we’ll be there to see that unity that is required from southern Nigeria is attained during your leadership,” he said.
The Minority Leader also advised Arapaja to ensure that popular candidates, truly loved by the states, emerge for the party to win the state elections. He said that such a measure must be extended to all Southern state chapters of the party and across the country for PDP to be victorious in 2023.
The new Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja assured that the incoming leaders would be selfless and meticulous enough to present flag-bearers that could win in all the elections in 2022 in Osun and Ekiti States the 2023 general election.
“The power at the centre belongs to us – Nigerians are looking up to us as a credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We have started the journey to the villa on a good note, and I implore every one of us to be more dedicated to this course of winning back Nigeria for the betterment of Nigerians. This is a task that is worthy of a pledge from us all,” he said.
He said that his leadership in Southern Nigeria would always maintain a tripod policy for stabilising the party and moving it forward. He listed the guidelines to include sincerity of purpose, a guide through the constitution; Justice and fairness.
“The most important thing to me is winning in our elections, not just being there as figurehead officer. To this end, I shall dispense all weapons at my disposal to justify the confidence reposed in me,” he said.
The convener New Nigeria Group (NNG), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, described Arapaja as a competent man who would work for the party’s success.
Ohuabunwa, who had earlier declared his interest in the party’s presidential ticket, said he had always known Arapaja to be a man of the people and a humble person. He said he believed Ambassador Arapaja had what it takes, the competence and the courage to do the job.
Suzan O.
