— We’ve learnt our lesson – Mu’azu
By Samuel Ogidan
Abuja
Humiliated by the outcome of the presidential election, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), state governors and governorship candidates under the platform of the party yesterday met at the party’s national secretariat to strategise on the way forward in the April 11 poll.
The meeting, which started at 11:30 a.m. and ended at 2:15 p.m., was held behind closed doors; even aides of party chieftains were not allowed to attend.
The meeting, which was chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu, was attended by Kaduna and Cross River governors, Jigawa deputy governor and PDP’s governorship candidates.
Though the party leaders did not speak with journalists after the meeting, a source at the national secretariat told our correspondent that the meeting was aimed at re-strategising on how to get more states in the forthcoming governorship election.
Meanwhile, Mu’azu has said that the party has learnt its lesson following the defeat by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) at the presidential poll.
The national chairman said a statement: “For us in the PDP, we want to state in very clear terms that we are not down. We are only at our redefining moment. Rather than demoralise us, this election has afforded us great lessons and we are now more than ever before reinvigorated for the race ahead.”
On the position of the PDP in the just concluded presidential poll, Mu’azu said: “If the outcome of the election is truly the reflection of the wishes and aspirations of our citizens, the PDP will most willingly respect that wish.
“What is paramount to us is the survival of our democracy, the unity, peace and progress of our dear nation and the happiness of all our people. Nigeria is bigger than any political party, individual or group and her overall interest must be our priority at all times.
“It is in this light that we as a party commend our flag-bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, for his heroic act in conceding to the voice of the people, an action that stands him out as a true democrat and a statesman.
“We also congratulate the APC flag-bearer, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for his resilience and victory in this election while wishing him success in the onerous task of leading our nation once again.”
He, however, frowned upon the irregularities noticed in the election, adding that the party would channel its protests to the appropriate quarters.
Mu’azu said: “We have received reports of serious irregularities that characterised the conduct of the election and we shall channel our protests to the appropriate quarters in line with our profound respect for the rule of law and democratic ethos.”
