As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention billed for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, draws closer, a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has cautioned party leaders and faithful against impunity and imposition of candidates.
He recalled that the defeat of the PDP in the last general election was as a result of self inflicted injuries on account of imposition of candidates and the impunity of some leaders.
Mark stated this during a meeting with executive members of the Benue State chapter of the PDP in his hometown, Otukpo, adding that it is incumbent on “our leaders and members to allow the popular will of the people prevail at the congresses and convention.”
The senator urged members of the party to remain steadfast with the PDP as a party of choice just as he frowned against cross carpeting at will because of the current challenges, stressing that such inconsistencies neither enhance the sustenance of democratic culture nor the integrity or credibility of politicians who decamp.
“If we must uphold the sanctity of democratic culture, we must follow the path of honour like the Democrats and Republicans in the United States of America or the Labour Party or the Conservatives in the United Kingdom who hold on tenaciously to their political ideologies no matter the odds,” Mark said.
Mark said no matter the challenges, he will not leave the PDP , a platform he said had afforded him the opportunity to contest and win elections since 1999 and reminded party faithful to work hard in the days ahead as credible opposition and overcome the challenges.
Earlier, while briefing Mark on the affairs of the PDP in Benue State, Chairman of the party, Mr. John Ngbede, said the party is now united and working as one family for good.
He however, listed the challenges facing the party to include cash crunch situation hindering the activities of the party which he requested Senator Mark to help address.
