Abuja — The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday defended its planned celebration of its 10th anniversary, stating that it has restored democracy in Nigeria , after 16 years of uninterrupted military dictatorship, thereby ensuring the sustenance of democratic rule in Nigeria .

It also said that the party has become an antidote to military rule in Nigeria.The party also urged Nigerians not to judge it by the failings of an individual, saying it is a political party.

Addressing a press conference to herald its celebration commencing Friday in Abuja, National Chairman of the party , Prince Vincent Ogbulafor said "PDP is the party that restored democracy in Nigeria after 16 years of uninterrupted military dictatorship.

"And PDP is still in the business of consolidating democracy. This calls for democracy in a world where democracy is honoured as the best form of rule. In order words, PDP has enabled Nigeria to keep up with the best practices in governance world-wide."

He also added: "You judge the party as a whole institution which is greater than the sum of its pasts. Yes, there have been bad eggs who soiled our democratic records, or shamed us with corruption and unbridled violence. But these are aberration of personal failings. What matters and what we are celebrating is that PDP as an institution has a history, a vision, a record and hope that have taken and will continue to take our country to greater heights."

"It is this hope and vision rather than our personal mistakes that we are celebrating."

"And PDP is still in the business of consolidating democracy. This calls for democracy in a world where democracy is honoured as the best form of rule. In order words, PDP has enabled Nigeria to keep up with the best practices in governance world-wide."According to Ogbulafor, "PDP has rescued Nigeria from the pariah status in the international community and it has begun and is still fighting the war against corruption which has always been the excuse the military gives for taking over our governments and we are celebrating because our government has rescued Nigeria from the peonage of international debt."

He also said that though the party is celebrating inspite of the fact that the party suffered threats to its internal cohesiveness and stability yet it is able to achieve reconciliation with its founding members. According to him, "we are celebrating because God has given us a second chance to rebuild and amend."