Contrary to comments by Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s decision to dump the party.
Obasanjo confirmed his exit from the party by tearing his membership card in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Monday.
Anenih had said Obasanjo would not be missed.
Secretary to the BoT, Walid Jibrin, also said Obasanjo acted irresponsibly.
But in its official statement, signed by Spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, the PDP said it was “deeply saddened” by the former President’s departure, and lamented the party’s inability to pacify him after several pleas.
The full statement reads:
“The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has received the news of the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to withdraw his membership of our great party. We have also carefully examined the circumstances and the reasons adduced for this unfortunate decision.
“While we concede to the inalienable rights of every citizen to hold opinion and to decide who to associate with, we are however deeply saddened that Chief Obasanjo, a revered leader of our party, our first Presidential flag bearer whom the PDP offered the platform to rule our nation for eight years, could decide to abandon this party at this critical point in time.
“This is especially as Chief Obasanjo, who was also the Chairman of the highest advisory organ of the PDP, the Board of Trustees (BoT) discountenanced all pleas by elders and leaders of our great party with regard to his reservations on certain issues within our fold.
“Many Nigerians are still bewildered as to what manner of provocation could have led a former President to lose his composure and go to the extent of tearing the membership card of the party that he once led.
“Indeed, the PDP is hugely at loss as to how the decision and action of the former President who had enjoyed the benefits of being elected to the highest position of leadership will assist in deepening our democracy and stabilising the polity.
“It is our considered opinion that no matter the provocation, a states manly disposition from a person of Chief Obasanjo’s status could have encouraged our citizens and help in stabilising system.
“We believe however, that what this country needs now is patriotic actions that engender national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence of our people irrespective of political, ethnic and religious persuasions. The overall interest of our nation and wellbeing of our citizens must remain paramount and above all personal and group interests.
“Finally, we direct all our members across the country to remain focused on our campaigns and not to be distracted on this issue. With an array of credible candidates led by our Presidential flag bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, we are sure that we will emerge victorious come March 28 and April 11, 2015 general elections.”
