Chuks Okocha
3 July 2009
Abuja — Ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday noted that Igbo are expected to present the next presidential candidate of the party, after the expiration of the tenure of President Umaru Yar'Adua.
In this regard, the party asked the zone to unite for the greater role expected of them.
Speaking in Abuja, when the Olokoro Community in Abia State, where PDP's National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, hails from, the party's Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Harilu Bello, said, " after the presidency moves from the North after the administration of President Umaru Yar'Adua, we expect it to move to the South-east. That is the simple truth about it."
He called on Igbo to unite, to show that they are capable of handling the sensitive post, saying, "there must be unity among the Igbo race, to show that they could be trusted with leadership." If the South-east cannot be united behind a leader or their elders, it would be difficult to entrust the Igbo race with leadership when it moves from the North to the South-east," Bello said.
He explained that the Igbo must be united behind the PDP, as an indication that they are ready to be trusted with leadership in Nigeria. "We, therefore, want to remind you that this is the time for you to work for it. We have no doubt in the leadership of an Igbo man, but the Igbo race must unite to show leadership. They must unite to show leadership in PDP and in Nigeria," he said.
National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Professor Ahmed Alkali, in his address, also said, "this message from the Deputy National Chairman should not be lost on the Igbo race and what it stands for."
Earlier, Ogbulafor tasked the Community to ensure that PDP wins the next governorship election in the state.He said, "make sure that by the next election, we get back the state for the PDP.
Let it be a task and a challenge that must be accomplished."
He welcomed the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) National Treasurer who joined the PDP, stating that the National Working Committee (NWC) under him would always champion qualitative leadership without cost to Nigerians.President, Olokoro Progress Association (OPA), Eze Hyceinth Okezie, said they were in Abuja to solidarise with Ogbulafor, as one of their progressive sons. He also announced that all members of OPA have since joined PDP, in solidarity with Ogbulafor.
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