BY TUNDE THOMAS
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George has vowed to use his political experience and wisdom to rescue and re- position the party to regain power in 2019, if elected as the new National Chairman at the party’s forthcoming national convention.
He made this declaration yesterday in Lagos when he formally flagged-off his campaign for the party’s Chairmanship position at an impressive gathering that was attended by PDP members drawn from various parts of the country.
While expressing optimism that PDP would regain power in 2019, George said he would work tirelessly to revive the dream and principles of the PDP founding fathers anchored on justice, fairness and equity as enshrined in the constitution of the party if elected as the party’s national chairman.
He added that as the PDP National Chairman, he would bring back the dignity
of the party by working diligently to unite members while mending fences and healing old wounds for all to attain the collective aspiration of the former ruling party.
“I have learned the ropes and I have been guided by the collective wisdom of our leaders across our great nation. I fully understand the precepts, the mechanisms and the constitution of our party. I know the tradition, the culture, the guiding ethos and the normative patterns that our leaders have built and nurtured for so many years. If elected, I am willing and ready to work with everyone regardless of personal differences to mend the broken places, to heal the ancient wounds, to reconcile the feuding factions and ultimately ensure that we strengthen our collective brotherhood and speak with one voice to regain victory in 2019’’, he stated.
He thanked the Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi and other members of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP on what he described as their commitment, loyalty and their ability to pull the party from the brink of collapse. He also commended stakeholders of PDP on their resolve to zone the Chairmanship position to the South-West zone, describing the zoning arrangement as a veritable tool for stabilizing the PDP.
PDP members who graced the event include, Former Minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, former Deputy Governor, Lagos state, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele, former Minister of Communications, Chief Dapo Sarumi, Former Minister of Special Duties, Elder Wole Oyelese, former PDP Chairman Ogun State, Chief Joju Fadairo, Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Erelu Olusola Obada, National Vice Chairaman PDP, Dr Eddy Olafeso, former PDP Chairman, Lagos State, Captain Tunji Shelle, former Interim National Chairman PDP, Chief Ishola Filani, all Exco members of PDP in Lagos state.